DNA structure could hold key to our memory
A specific type of DNA structure could hold the key to regulating our memory, a new study from 天美传媒 National University (ANU) has shown.
G-quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA) is generally found in cells when certain kinds of DNA sequences fold into a different, four-stranded structure.
G4-DNA is usually associated with DNA damage and frequently observed in cancer cells.
But lead author of the study, Dr Paul Marshall from ANU, said G4-DNA has now also been shown to play a role in transcribing memories.
鈥淔or decades, many scientists have considered the topic of DNA structure to be solved. But that鈥檚 not the while story,鈥 Dr Marshall said.
鈥淚t doesn鈥檛 just exist as the familiar double-helix 鈥 it can assume a variety of states.
鈥淒NA is constantly changing and rather than being a liability, this is a key feature of our biological system and its adaptability.鈥
Dr Marshall said while there is 鈥渁bundant鈥 evidence demonstrating G4-DNA鈥檚 involvement in stalling some of our cells most basic functions, his is the first evidence of its role in making memories in an 鈥渋n vivo鈥 study, done on living cells or organisms.
鈥We found that casually manipulating G4-DNA can lead to a substantial impairment in memory,鈥 Dr Marshall said.
鈥淏ut in other scenarios it can result in increased transcription. It can have different effects on memory depending on the area of the brain, and type of memory involved.
鈥淭he dynamic accumulation of G4-DNA has multiple functions in the brain鈥檚 neurons, and is regulated by a specific helicase, or enzyme.
鈥淭his study adds to our understanding of how we encode information and experiences.鈥
The research team also included scientists from The University of Queensland, Link枚ping University in Sweden, the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, and the University of California.
The study has been published in the
