Comments on: Memories stored in extracellular matrix?

By: jody tomic

jody tomic — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

So, with all those proteoglycans, I guess your theory is compatible with the ability to block long term memory formation using protein synthesis inhibitors.

It would be interesting to do this disruption of ECM in an area of the body suffering pain associated with a psychological trauma.

What specific molecular genetics techniques did you have in mind? Some kind of modified substrate enzyme inactivation?

By: Terry Sejnowski

Terry Sejnowski — Wed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 +0000

Protein synthesis inhibitors can block the formation of new memories, but after a period of consolidation, which can last for months, the memories become more permanent and are resistant to protein synthesis inhibitors and other manipulations that produce amnesia.

Experiments need to be done in animals before we can try them on humans.

Proteases, which attack specific amaino acid bonds, can disrupt the ECM.