Molecule That Improves Memory Found in Worms

A key molecule that improves memory has been found in worms, which could lead to the development of a treatment for diseases with cognitive deficits such as Alzheimer's, depression, schizophrenia, or aging, according to researchers at Roche in Basel, Switzerland.

Researchers studying Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a common roundworm, found that the worms learned how to find food faster in areas with a specific temperature if they were genetically manipulated to overproduce a calcium-sensing molecule called NCS-1.

Worms with an excess NCS-1 learned faster, had a better performance level and a long memory, according to the researchers in their study published in the journal Neuron.

C. elegans has 19,000 genes that were first mapped in 1998, about half the number of genes found in humans. The worm seems to be useful for identifying and validating potential drug targets and pathways, according to Roche.

"C. elegans and human neurons share molecular synaptic components such as receptors, transmitters, ion channels or enzymes, with very similar functions, which we believe will help scientists design better treatments for a wide range of illnesses," said Patrick Nef, Ph.D., vice-director and head of Molecular Neurobiology in the Central Nervous System department at Roche.

Other sources: Neuron, Roche, Reuters