Ah memories, they can be good, bad, easy to remember, and sometimes hard to forget. We all have them, we all need them, and we all have experienced this scenario: walking into a room with a purpose and completely forgetting what that purpose is, leaving the room and immediately remembering what it was. There are three types of memories: sensory, short-term, and long-term. They are categorized as such depending on the length they will last. Memories are formed by experience; you remember how to do something such as kick a soccer ball because you have done it before. Genes in the human genome gives humans the ability to learn and remember everyday experiences. There are 23,000 protein-encoding genes in the human genome which can influence one’s memory. These genes affect how the brain, brain structures, and individual neurons develop; and how they are sustained over one’s life. This article highlights the links between gene function and memory in humans, mice, and the common fruit fly.
The mutation of the gene Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein ( FMRP) is a RNA-binding protein which is associated with learning disabilities and very often is the cause of inherited mental retardation in humans. This mutation causes FMRP to not bind with RNA and ends up not showing up in one’s genetic code. This loss of FMRP causes changes in brain functions in humans. However, it only causes little physiological differences in the brain. In the fruit fly and mouse the loss of FMRP causes learning deficits and suggests this is a common role for this particular gene. FMRP is necessary for the expression of several other genes making it hard for researchers to connect FMRP to a specific gene sequence.
A mutation of a protein Presenelins(PS) and Amyloid Precursor Protein(APP) genes are a major cause to Alzheimer’s disease. In the animal models, mutated APP and PS lead to an accumulation of a toxic APP molecule outside the cell. This forms into plaque deposits which contribute to neuron loss. This suggests APP and PS are needed to maintain neurons and the nervous system from degeneration and alteration of memories.
Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate(cAMP) is a common messenger in cells. Another protein Adenylyl Cyclase(AC) helps produce cAMP when it receives two signals, one form calcium and another from a guanine nucleotide-protein( G Protein). Calcium corresponds to sensory and G Protein corresponds to a reward or punishment. Mice and flies which are mutant for any of these proteins do not make memories well. This is because cAMP is required to activate other proteins needed for memory storage.
The aforementioned genes are required for our ability to form memories. These genes establish, maintain, and regulate the physiology of the nervous system as a whole. This study showed how mutations in one’s gene can affect learning and remembering information. So next time you go to kick a soccer ball, drive a car, memorize ratios of Mendelian Genetics, remember it is all possible in part because of properly functioning genes in your body.
-Nelson Elmore
Source
Daniela Ostrowski, Troy Zars, "Genetics of memory," AccessScience, McGraw-Hill Companies, 2011, http://www.accessscience.com
This is a very interesting article because memories are experienced by all who live. Every person has a different genetic code but it is interesting how everyone has the ability to have all three types of memory. Another interesting point is that some people are better at certain types of memories such as long term while others are better at short term. Lastly it is interesting to see that even though with the pass of time, you are still able to have all three types and think from numerous years ago. Even the mutation causes a lack of memory, there is still the capability to have even the slightest bit.
ReplyDeleteSara Puckett
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ReplyDeleteI also agree that this article is very interesting. To know that genes make up our memory and how we learn. I think it also cool that fruit flies and mice also have this type of gene. Its interesting that a bug (fruit fly) also can have a learning disabilty or such just like a human would if we had this certain mutation. It shows that some of the same mutations are in the million different species.
ReplyDelete-Kendria Shifflett
This was a very interesting article, I had no idea memory could be related to Genetics. Interesting how cAMP is also used in this as well as RNA translation. As Kendria mentioned its very interesting that fruit flies and mice are capable of the same types of memory as more complex organism such as humans.
ReplyDeleteThis topic is very interesting because I feel as though I may have memory problems in the future. Already, I have a lot of trouble remembering things and I have been like this since I was a child. I am glad that I read this blog cause it gives me an idea on how memory kind of works. I may be even use this information as well as other research to find out why I have memory problems and how I can keep them from getting worse.
ReplyDelete--Christina Strubhar
This is very interesting. It talks about the mutation of the Fragile X protein, so my question is could Alzheimer’s and dementia be linked to mutations of certain genes? Also is so what can be done for these horrible diseases?
ReplyDeleteKayla Jones
This is a very interesting article. I knew some genetics had an affect on memory, but I had no idea genetics was this much involved.
ReplyDelete-Ashley Sisk
@Kayla, I believe mutations in a any gene could affect the body in some way or another. However there have to be many mutations in order for these to be of harm to someone. Dementia and Alzheimer's is frequently characterized by a person experiencing memory loss. I would not be surprised if mutations of any of these genes to be a cause.
ReplyDelete-Nelson Elmore