Neurons are the cells in the brain that send and receive electrical and chemical signals. They are building blocks of your brain, and transmit information to other neurons, muscles, and tissues throughout the body. They allow you to think, feel, move, and comprehend the world around you. The average adult human brain contains approximately 100 billion neurons.
Neurons contain genes, and these genes are responsible for the neuron’s structure and function. All cells in your body, including neurons, contain the same DNA housing the same genes. Differences among your neurons result from differences in which genes direct cellular activities, a process called gene expression. Each cell builds proteins from a slightly different subset of genes in its genetic code. The mechanisms that cause neurons to express some genes and not others are currently an area of intense research.
A new study by the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus published in the Journal of Neuroscience offers new insight into how brain cells relay critical information, leading to the activation of genes essential for learning and memory.
Led by Dr Mark Dell’Acqua, professor of pharmacology the researchers have identified a key pathway that links how neurons send signals to each other which provides crucial insights into the molecular processes underlying memory formation.
“These findings illuminate a critical mechanism that connects local synaptic activity to the broader gene expression changes necessary for learning and memory,” said Dr Dell’Acqua.
“This paper is mainly a basic science finding of a fundamental process of what nerve cells do. Understanding this relay system not only enhances our knowledge of brain function but could also better inform therapeutic treatments for cognitive disorders.”
This research focuses on the cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor known to regulate genes vital for changes at synapses which is essential for neuronal communication. Despite CREB’s well-documented role in supporting learning and memory, the exact mechanisms leading to CREB activation during neuronal activity remain unclear.
Using advanced microscopy techniques, graduate student Katlin Zent in Dr. Dell’Acqua’s research group revealed a crucial relay mechanism involving the activation of receptors and ion channels generating calcium signals that rapidly communicates from synapses in remote dendrite branches to the nucleus in the neuron cell body.
“Going forward, this research will enable us to better examine the way these pathways are utilised in different disease states,” said Dr Dell’Acqua. “We could see exactly what parts of this new mechanism are interfered with and where, giving us a better idea of how this pathway affecting learning and memory is impacted. This research highlights potential targets for interventions aimed at conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and other memory-related disorders.”
Eight steps to support your neurons
- Get mental stimulation: Read, take courses, try word puzzles or math problems. Have fun with things that require manual dexterity as well as mental effort, such as drawing, painting, and other crafts.
- Get physical exercise
- Improve your diet, blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol.
- Improve your blood pressure
- Don’t abuse alcohol and avoid tobacco
- Learn how to manage stress and anxiety
- Protect your head with suitable headgear when doing biking, skiing and other at risk activities.
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