Scientists develop new tool to modify brain activity and memory in targeted ways

Q.  What is the name of the protein used to map brain connections and modify brain activity and memory in targeted ways?
- Published on 08 Jun 16

a. GFE3
b. GFE4
c. GFE5
d. GFE6

ANSWER: GFE3
 
Scientists have come up with new tools to modify brain activity and memory without the use of chemicals and drugs. The new tool is a protein which can be encoded in animal genomes to switch off inhibitory synapses or connections between neurons increasing electrical activity.
  • The GFE3 protein enables researchers map the brain's connections and better understand how inhibitory synapses modulate brain function, said lead author Don Arnold , professor at University of Southern California.
  • It may also help them to control neural activity and treat a range of conditions from psychosis to cocaine addiction
  • Most brain proteins last only a couple of days before they are actively degraded and replaced by new proteins. GFE3 targets proteins that hold inhibitory synapses together to this degradation system and as a result, the synapses fall apart.

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