Scientists Identify Gene that Keeps PTSD-like Behavior at Bay in Female Mice
A new study reveals how a prion-like protein that is encoded by the TIA1 gene helps to regulate fear memories. TIA1, researchers report, may be a promising new target for the treatment of PTSD.
https://neurosciencenews.com/ptsd-gene-target-10884/
(image: This is a 3D projection showing TIA+ stress granules in cytoplasm (relatively large yellow structures outside of nucleus (in blue)). The image is credited to Joseph Rayman/Kandel lab/Columbia’s Zuckerman Institute. )
More than 30 years ago, scientists discovered that neurological illnesses such as mad cow and Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseases are caused by misfolded proteins called prions. But in recent years, Nobel laureate Eric Kandel, MD, demonstrated in mice that some prions are beneficial and serve important biological functions in the brain and body. And today, new Columbia research from Dr. Kandel and his colleague Joseph Rayman, PhD, describes how one such prion-like protein, encoded by a gene called TIA1, helps the brain keep fearful memories in check. Without this gene, female mice exhibit the tell-tale signs of post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.
Open Access Original Research:
“Genetic Perturbation of TIA1 Reveals a Physiological Role in Fear Memory”
Joseph B. Rayman’ Joud Hijazi, Xiang Li, Nancy Kedersha, Paul J. Anderson, Eric R. Kandel
Open Access, Cell Reports Published: March 12, 2019 DOI:10.1016/j.celrep.2019.02.048
