Memory trace consolidated by new-born neurons

2019 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K18359
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Neurophysiology / General neuroscience
• Research Institution: University of Tsukuba
• Principal Investigator: Sakaguchi Masanori 筑波大学, 国際統合睡眠医科学研究機構, 准教授 (60407088)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2020-03-31
• Keywords: 新生ニューロン / 記憶 / 睡眠 / 超小型脳内視鏡

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Neurogenesis, the process by which new neurons are formed, takes place in the hippocampus throughout the lifespan of animals, including humans. At present, little is known about the contribution of ABNs to memory formation during sleep. In this project, we have revealed that adult-born neurons (ABNs) in the hippocampus, which is a brain region associated with memory, are responsible for memory consolidation during REM sleep. Our findings may lead to a deeper understanding of how memories are formed, retrieved, and consolidated, and could facilitate the development of new treatments for memory disorders using the self-regeneration potential of human brain.

Free Research Field

神経科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、大人の脳内にごく僅かに残る再生能力が、睡眠中に記憶の定着に必要であることを明らかにしました。今後、大人の脳内で新生ニューロンが睡眠中にどのように恐怖記憶を定着させるかを解明することで、脳が持つ再生能力を高め、アルツハイマー病などの神経が失われる病気や、PTSDなどの記憶処理に異常を来す疾患に対する新しい治療法に開発に応用できるものと期待されます。