How genes help form and keep long-term memories
Gene Expression in Long-Term Memory
This work looks at whether boosting a natural brain protein called IGF‑2 can strengthen memories for people with memory loss such as Alzheimer's disease or Angelman syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238492 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how your brain turns short-term experiences into long-lasting memories by studying a gene called IGF‑2 and its receptor in the hippocampus. Scientists use animal models (rats and mice) to see how increasing IGF‑2 around the time of learning or memory recall affects memory strength and persistence. They study the molecular steps that control IGF‑2 to find targets that could be turned into drugs or other therapies. The hope is that understanding these processes will lead to treatments that help people with Alzheimer's disease, Angelman syndrome, and other conditions that cause memory loss.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future trials would be people with memory impairment from Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, or neurodevelopmental disorders that affect memory who are eligible for early-phase clinical testing.
Not a fit: Because the current work is laboratory-based in animals, people seeking immediate treatments or whose memory problems are due to non-neurological causes are unlikely to benefit directly right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that boost memory strength or slow memory loss in conditions like Alzheimer's disease and Angelman syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies, including work from this group, found that giving IGF‑2 at the time of learning can markedly strengthen and prolong memories, but human testing has not yet been done.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alberini, Cristina M — New York University
- Study coordinator: Alberini, Cristina M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.