Reason for memory loss?

Arc protein 'could be key to memory loss', says study

June, 9, 2013

 

 

Discovery about the role of an important brain protein has been made. The protein is necessary in translating learning into long term memories.Research into this protein called "arc protein" may be a new way to cure neurological diseases, but further research has to be conducted.
The study suggests, the same protein may play a big role in the disease of autism. The lack of this arc protein was also found in the brain of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease.
Dr.Steve Finkbeiner, a professor of physiology and neurology at the University of California claims that work done in labs showed that the role of the arc protein was essential.
"Scientists knew that Arc was involved in long-term memory, because mice lacking the Arc protein could learn new tasks, but failed to remember them the next day," he said.

Arc is supposed to be a "master regulator" in the act of forming long term memory.

During memory formation, specific genes have to be switched on and off at specific time so proteins that help neurons lay down new memories can be generated, is what the conducted study suggested. 

Apparently, arc proteins guide this process from inside of the nucleus.

So the reason for memory loss could be the absence of the arc protein.
The study shows that dysfunctions in the production of the arc protein aswell as problems in the transport could be a big part of autism. "The Californian research team said they hoped further research into the Arc protein's role in human health and disease would provide even deeper insights into these disorders and lay the groundwork for new therapeutic strategies to fight them."