A recent study from the University of Queensland’s Brain Institute has found that saturated fats play a crucial role in the formation and consolidation of memories. The breakthrough, which was published in the European Molecular Biology Organization Journal, carries significant promise for potential treatments targeting neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Lead researcher Isaac Akefe explained that the discovery stems from previous research that showed an increase in saturated fatty acids in the brain during neuronal communication. What was previously unclear, however, were the factors causing these changes. The team’s latest study provides unprecedented insight into the alterations in the brain’s fatty acid landscape during memory encoding.
Approximately 60 percent of the brain’s mass is made up of fatty compounds known as lipids, with fatty acids being the fundamental building blocks for a specific class of lipids called phospholipids. Identifying the role and action of these lipids holds immense potential for understanding brain function and disease.
Rigorous investigation into the interaction between phospholipase A1 (PLA1) and STXBP1 revealed the critical role these molecules play in memory formation. By removing the PLA1 gene in mouse models, the team observed a noticeable decrease in saturated free fatty acids, even before the onset of impaired memories, indicating the pivotal function of the enzyme and the fatty acids it releases in memory acquisition.
The researchers also investigated the role of a specific protein, DDHD2, in the memory formation process. By removing this protein in mice, they observed a significant decline in the fats associated with memory formation, leading to memory and muscle problems similar to a human condition called spastic paraplegia.
In light of their findings, the study presents potential new pathways for therapeutic interventions in cognitive disorders, showcasing the importance of these specific fats and proteins in memory formation.
The study further underscores the significance of understanding the intricacies of memory formation and consolidation, particularly for patients and families affected by neurodegenerative conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, where memory loss and decreased brain activity are common symptoms. With no current treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, the research offers hope for advancements in combating these conditions by shedding light on the roles of saturated fatty acids and specific proteins.