Protein 'may hold key to memory'

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Protein 'may hold key to memory'

(UKPA) – 2 hours ago

A growth protein in the brain may hold the key to improving long-term memory,

say scientists.

Levels of insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) in the brain decline with

ageing, researchers found.

Injecting the protein into the brains of rats significantly improved long-term

memory.

The scientists also learned that IGF-II levels increased after learning and when

this process was blocked long-lasting memories could not form.

" The implications of these data are far-reaching and give us new clues about how

to investigate memory loss and forgetfulness in people with cognitive

impairment, like those with Alzheimer's disease, stroke, or dementia, said

Professor Cristina Alberini, from Mount Sinai Hospital in New York.

Previously, little was known about the role of IGF-II in the brain.

The research has been reported in the journal Nature.