AI Article Synopsis
- RISC, which uses the AGO2 protein, controls gene expression by impacting mRNA translation and plays a crucial role in brain functions related to memory.
- In a study, researchers silenced AGO2 in mice to see how it affected their ability to form memories during hippocampus-related tasks.
- The findings revealed that reducing AGO2 levels impaired both short-term and long-term memory, but these effects were temporary and reversed once AGO2 levels returned to normal.
Article Abstract
RNA-Induced Silencing Complex (RISC) mediates post-transcriptional control of gene expression and contains Argonaute 2 (AGO2) protein as a central effector of cleavage or inhibition of mRNA translation. In the brain, the RISC pathway is involved in neuronal functions, such as synaptic development and local protein synthesis, which are potentially critical for memory. In this study, we examined the role of RISC in memory formation in rodents, by silencing AGO2 expression in dorsal hippocampus of C57BL/6 mice and submitting animals to hippocampus-related tasks. One week after surgery, AGO2 downregulation impaired both short-term and long-term contextual fear memories. Conversely, no long-lasting effects were observed three weeks after surgery, when AGO2 levels were re-established. These results show that altered RISC activity severely affects learning and memory processes in rodents.
Download full-text PDF |
Source |
|---|---|
| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2010.01.038 | DOI Listing |
Publication Analysis
Top Keywords
Similar Publications
Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?
Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!