Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in a recent study, revealing that our brains break their own DNA to form memories that can last a lifetime. While this process may initially seem harmful, as DNA damage is typically linked to cancer and inflammation to aging, experiments on mice have shown that the breaking and repairing of DNA within neurons is crucial for the creation of long-term memories.
Scientists from the Albert College of Medicine found that certain neurons utilize proteins typically involved in fighting bacteria and causing inflammation to encode these long-term memories. Although traditionally viewed as negative processes due to their association with neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, the study indicates that inflammation in the neurons of the hippocampus is essential for the establishment of long-lasting memories.
In a mouse experiment to test memory, researchers placed the animals in different environments – some comfortable and others where the mice received mild electric shocks. The mice quickly learned to prefer the safe, comfortable environment. Analysis revealed that after memories were formed, genes related to synaptic plasticity and inflammation were activated. Of particular interest was the TLR9 protein, usually responsible for safeguarding the body against bacterial DNA. Removing the gene that encodes TLR9 resulted in mice losing their long-term memory.
This groundbreaking discovery suggests that DNA damage and inflammatory processes play a critical role in the maintenance of long-term memories. The study also unveiled the intricate connection between various brain components that support these memories, providing insight into the molecular mechanism behind the formation process.
While this research sheds light on the importance of DNA damage and inflammation in memory formation, questions still linger regarding how these processes exactly influence memory-encoding neurons. Of particular interest is understanding how these same processes can be beneficial for memory formation yet be associated with debilitating neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.