- Researchers report that complex sugar molecules in the brain might affect plasticity, which is involved in learning and memory.
- During their study, the researchers changed one of the genes in mice and found that memory was degraded.
- Scientists are looking at whether they can alter these molecules to potentially work as a treatment in humans for central nervous system injuries and neurodegenerative diseases.
Scientists are looking at sugar molecules in the brain and how they could impact learning and memory, according to research presented at the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2023 meeting.
Scientists completed their study on mice and hope they can use this knowledge to better understand human brain
The findings have not been published yet in a peer-reviewed journal.
Common sugars, such as those found in fruits, candies, or cakes, can bind together, forming strings of complex sugars.
When these complex sugars attach to other chemical structures, such as sulfate groups, they are called
Patterns of sulfation, a type of chemical modification, can change the function of GAGs.
The researchers wanted to see how changing this pattern might affect neuroplasticity in mice.
To do this, they deleted a specific gene that is important for two sulfation patterns on the GAG chondroitin sulfate.
The gene deletion changed the types of synaptic connections between neurons.
Afterward, the researchers reported, the mice could not recognize other mice they had previously met, suggesting that these structures affect social memory.
The results occurred in both young and adult mice, suggesting it is possible to manipulate or strengthen certain synaptic connections in the brain.
The researchers suggest that this knowledge might make it possible to rewire or strengthen brain connections during adolescence and adulthood.
The scientists say…
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