Asian Scientist (Feb. 25, 2014) – Scientists in Singapore have identified the precise role of the SNX27 protein in the pathway leading to memory and learning impairment. The findings may one day lead to strategies that can improve memory and learning abilities in Down’s syndrome.
Down’s syndrome is a genetic condition characterized by the presence of an additional copy of chromosome 21. It is a condition that leads to impairments in both cognitive ability and physical growth that range from mild to moderate developmental disabilities.
Scientists had previously discovered that the additional copy of chromosome 21 in Down’s syndrome reduces the production of SNX27 in the brain and results in synaptic dysfunction. Synapse, a structure that permits nerve cells to pass chemical signals to each other, is known to have an important role in memory formation and its dysfunction could result in impairment.
Memory can be restored by re-introducing SNX27 into the brain, thereby suggesting that SNX27 is an essential protein for memory and learning. However, the protein’s role in the pathway leading to memory impairment had remained unclear until now.
In the new study, published in Nature Communications, scientists used live-cell imaging techniques to illustrate how SNX27 contributes to synaptic dysfunction.
The scientists observed that transmission of chemical signals between the nerve cells are facilitated by AMPA-receptors on the brain cell surface. As SNX27 plays an important role in shuttling the AMPA-receptor to the brain cell surface, lower levels of SNX27 means fewer receptors are carried to the surface, interrupting the signal transmission and impairing memory.
The correlation established between SNX27 levels and memory could explain why individuals with Down’s syndrome encounter memory and learning difficulties. Having discovered the role of SNX27 in memory impairment, future research on Down’s syndrome may focus on developing strategies which can effectively re-introduce the protein into the brain to restore memory and learning abilities.
“Memory and the ability to learn capture the essence of life. Our research goes beyond the lab to make a difference by finding ways to grant these fundamental capabilities to those diagnosed with Down’s syndrome. Our ultimate goal is to create a positive impact on the lives of these valuable children,” said Dr Loo Li Shen, the lead author of the study.
The article can be found at: Loo LS et al. (2014) A Role For Sorting Nexin 27 In AMPA Receptor Trafficking.
——
Source: A*STAR; Image: Digital Shotgun/Flickr/CC.
Disclaimer: This article does not necessarily reflect the views of AsianScientist or its staff.