Maintenance of superior learning and memory function
in NR2B transgenic mice during ageing
by
Cao X, Cui Z, Feng R, Tang YP, Qin Z, Mei B, Tsien JZ.
Shanghai Institute of Brain Functional Genomics,
The Key laboratories of MOE and SSTC,
East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.
xhcao@brain.ecnu.edu.cn
Eur J Neurosci. 2007 Mar;25(6):1815-22.

ABSTRACT

Brain ageing represents a general and evolutionarily conserved phenomenon and is marked by gradual declines in cognitive functions such as learning and memory. As a synaptic coincidence detector, the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is known to be essential for the induction of synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Here, we test the hypothesis that up-regulation of NR2B expression is beneficial for learning and memory in the aged animals. Our in vitro recordings show that the aged transgenic mice with the forebrain-specific overexpression of the NR2B subunit indeed exhibit more robust hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) induced by either high-frequency stimulation or theta-stimulation protocol. Furthermore, those aged NR2B transgenic mice consistently outperform their wild-type littermates in five different learning and memory tests, namely, novel object recognition, contextual and cued fear conditioning, spatial reference memory, and spatial working memory T-maze task. Thus, we conclude that increased expression of NR2B in the forebrain improves learning and memory function in the aged brain.

ASPM gene
Microcephalin
Liberal Eugenics
Cognitive genetics
Human self-domestication
Brain size/human evolution
Selecting potential children
Alzheimer's disease: resources
Transhumanism/Brave New World?
Francis Galton and contemporary eugenics
Gene therapy and performance enhancement
Preimplantation genetics and stem cell therapy
Institute for Germinal Choice ('Genius Sperm Bank')

Refs
and further reading

HOME
Resources
Wireheading
BLTC Research
nootropic.com
Superhappiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Good Drug Guide
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
MDMA: Utopian Pharmacology
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World