Previously known for its role in the proteasome complex in the hippocampus, RPT6 was identified as capable of binding to DNA and regulating gene expression during memory formation.
By Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela
“Revolutionary discovery in Neuroscience: The Dual Role of the RPT6 Protein in Memory Formation”, comments Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela , Post-Doctor in Neuroscience and creator of the GIP – Genetic Intelligence Project, member of the Royal Society of Biology in the United Kingdom.
“Recently, researchers at Virginia Tech discovered a surprising new function of the RPT6 protein in the brain, a finding that could revolutionize the understanding and treatment of memory disorders,” reports Dr. Abreu.
Previously known for its role in the proteasome complex in the hippocampus, RPT6 was identified as capable of binding to DNA and regulating gene expression during memory formation.
“This dual functionality of RPT6 offers new insights into the intricate process of memory formation and holds potential for therapeutic interventions in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder),” explains Dr. Abreu.
Key Facts:
RPT6 has a dual role: it is part of the proteasome complex and also regulates gene expression during memory formation. This discovery provides new insights into memory processes and could lead to better treatments for memory disorders. The Virginia Tech study could significantly impact future research into Alzheimer’s, dementia, PTSD and other memory-related conditions.
The Virginia Tech researchers discovered that the protein, normally responsible for maintenance in the brain’s hippocampus, acts as part of a larger protein complex called the proteasome to destroy other proteins.
However, RPT6 was observed to behave in a previously undetected manner. “We found that RPT6 is capable of performing a completely different function, where it can bind to DNA and increase the expression of other genes or proteins during memory formation,” said Tim Jarome, associate professor of neurobiology.
The discovery opens new avenues for exploring how RPT6 works in the brain and how it could be manipulated to improve memory and alleviate memory disorders such as Alzheimer’s and PTSD.
“Gene expression is crucial for memory formation. It helps build the neural networks needed to form and strengthen memories. We still don’t understand why RPT6 has this dual function or how it is helping to control the cells that are recruited to form a memory”, says Jarome.
“This discovery is a significant advance in unraveling the complexities of the brain and how we learn and store memories,” concludes Dr. Abreu. “In the long term, this could lead to potential therapeutic targets for controlling and improving memory or treating maladaptive memories.”
