Optogenetics sheds light on ways to implant, reverse, and retrieve memories
Orange County, CA - July 11th 2016 - Six years ago, optogenetics was chosen as “method of the year” across science and engineering by Nature Methods, an interdisciplinary research journal. In that same year, Science, a peer-reviewed academic research journal, designated the technique a “breakthrough of the decade.”
Optogenetics has been applied in an assortment of studies since then, establishing itself as considerably contributive to academia. Besides adding to the amassing body of knowledge in neuroscience, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found this method particularly useful.
Several studies conducted within the lab of Susumu Tonegawa, professor of Biology and Neuroscience, have intrinsically changed the dynamic of memory research over the past several years. Under his direction, neuroscientists at MIT were able to use optogenetics to reverse the emotional effects tied to memories in mice. The technique implements lasers to stimulate and control the cells of genetically engineered neurons, made up of light sensitive proteins.
During their experiment, researchers discovered that the hippocampus is responsible for early memory formation and holds factual details like scent and location while the amygdala is linked to emotions associated with memories. Fundamentally, realizing the role of this critical brain circuit allowed scientists to selectively reverse feelings associated with certain thoughts by targeting specific engrams via optogenetics.
Two groups of mice were used in the experiment. The first were conditioned to have a fear response after receiving small shocks to their feet. Their counterparts were positively conditioned by being intermingled with female mice.
Scientists employed light to trigger the neurons responsible for the memory of the shock and subsequent fear as they placed the mice with females to test their positive reinforcement. Following this test, the mice were shown to exhibit fewer signs of fear.
Conversely, the mice with positive conditioning received shocks as scientists used light to activate neurons tied to the positive memories. As a result, these mice froze more often and sniffed less, indicating that fear had become associated with their previously positive memory. These reactions led the scientists to believe their experiment to be a success; supporting the notion that memories can be reconditioned, or conditioned to associate new emotions to a memory at the neurological level.
Additionally, two researchers at MIT used optogenetics to implant a false fear into the mind of a mouse. Scientists Steve Ramirez and Xu Liu injected a biochemical cocktail comprised of a channelrhdopsin-2 into the brains of genetically engineered mice, inserted filaments into their skulls, and used a light to locate the fear engram related to a shock to the foot. The researchers sacrificed the mouse in order to slice open its brain and see exactly how to map the engram associated with the fear of shock.
They then conditioned an experimental mouse to believe a particular box was safe, free of shocks. The next day, they put the mouse in a different box, where they were given an electric shock. The following day, the scholars put the mouse in the initial box that it believed to be safe and used light to stimulate the fear engram. Although it received no shocks and never had in that environment, the mouse immediately exhibited a fear response.
The implications for these studies are vast. Although these findings have the potential to help those with PTSD, depression, or addition, intercept bad memories and rewire them to be positive or less daunting, scientists interfering with memories introduce a host of ethical considerations.
Contact Ampronix:
Email: info@ampronix.com
International Sales: +1 949-273-8000
Domestic Sales: 1800-400-7972 for US and Canada
Follow Us:
Share This Article:
View our Product Catalog Online Here
About Ampronix
Ampronix is a renowned authorized master distributor of the medical industry's top brands as well as a world-class manufacturer of innovative technology. Since 1982, Ampronix has been dedicated to meeting the growing needs of the medical community with its extensive product knowledge, outstanding service, and state-of-the-art repair facility. Ampronix prides itself on its ability to offer tailored, one-stop solutions at a faster and more cost-effective rate than other manufacturers. Ampronix is an ISO & ANSI/ESD certified facility. To learn more go here.
Optogenetics sheds light on ways to implant, reverse, and retrieve memories Orange County, CA – July 11th 2016 – Six years ago, optogenetics was chosen as “method of the year” across science and engineering by Nature Methods, an interdisciplinary research journal. In that same year, Science, a peer-reviewed academic research journal, designated the technique a “breakthrough […]