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(August 17, 2015) UBC
scientists have created unusually intelligent mice by causing a mutation to a
single gene. While the research is a long way from reaching human trials, it
helps researchers identify a target for improving memory and cognitive function
in people with dementia.
The study, led by Dr. Alexander McGirr, a medical resident
in the Department of Psychiatry at UBC, along with colleagues at the University
of Toronto, University of Leeds and MRC Harwell, an organization that studies
the links between genetics and disease, was published today in the journal
Neuropsychopharmacology. In this Q&A, McGirr talks about his results.
How did you create intelligent mice?
We identified a mutation in the gene that codes for an
important protein in the brain, Phosphodiesterase-4B (PDE4B). Though our study
is in mice, this protein is very important in the human brain as well.
Mice with the mutation performed remarkably well on many
memory and problem-solving tasks. For instance, they were able to remember
where they had already been in a maze, find a platform hidden under water, and
they had better social memory, meaning they remembered meeting other mice. What
was really interesting is that even when we made some tasks that are impossible
for normal mice, the ‘brainy mice’ continued to perform well.
What can intelligent mice teach us about dementia?
Understanding the function of PDE4B teaches us about how the
brain encodes experience into memory. Cognitive impairment is a major clinical
challenge and our work suggests a new target for medicines that may eventually
help patients and their families.