PSD-95 Mutations
In studies of PSD95, Professor Seth Grant's group showed that memories are formed when neurotransmitter receptors associate with proteins.
PSD95 is a protein that binds to the inside surface of neurotransmitter receptors, and when we mutated that protein in mice, we found that the animals had impaired learning, but the receptor still acted normally. This established that neurotransmitter receptors act through the proteins associated with them to lay down the memory trace. It’s not just about the receptor, it’s about the proteins associated with it.
psd95, psd-95, psd, 95, post-synaptic, postsynaptic, density, neurotransmitter, receptor, protein, gene, molecule, learning, memory, seth, grant
- ID: 1215
- Source: DNALC.G2C
- Download: Theora Video Windows Media Video MPEG 4 Video
Related Content
1213. PSD-95 and Learning
Professor Seth Grant highlights PSD95 as an important example of a protein associated with a neurotransmitter receptor that affects learning.
1220. Cocaine and Memory Loss
Professor Seth Grant explains that taking cocaine reduces the expression of the PSD95 protein, which can lead to memory impairments.
1368. DLG4 Gene
Discs, large homolog 4 (DLG4) is a gene associated with learning and memory. The human DLG4 protein is 99% identical to the rat and mouse PSD-95 proteins.
1216. Hebbosome
Professor Seth Grant introduced the word 'hebbosome' to describe the multiprotein complex that converts neural activity patterns into a memory trace.
897. Gene knockout in mice
This method uses homologous recombination to disable a gene of interest to produce a genetic knockout.
1390. Genes for Learning and Memory
An interactive chromosome map of the genes and loci associated with learning and memory.
921. NRG1 Gene
Increased neuregulin signaling in schizophrenia may suppress the NMDA receptor, leading to lowered glutamate levels.
868. Candidate Genes for Schizophrenia
An interactive chromosome map of the genes and loci associated with schizophrenia.
1363. Genes for memory (lesson)
Students will experiment with an interactive animation to compare mutant and wild-type mice in a water maze. They will analyze data and discuss findings of a research paper.
1997. Learning and memory
Learning and memory are two intimately linked cognitive processes that stem from interactions with the environment (experience).