Memories can be deleted

Israeli scientists discovered an enzyme capable of erasing or reinforcing memories, paving the way for future memory changes.

Artwork: sentientdevelopments.com

Livescience reported that experts at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel found PKMzeta - the name of an enzyme - that could affect animal memory. Many previous studies have shown that this enzyme strengthens human memory, turning everyday experiences into long-term memories.

Enzymes are biological catalysts with a predominantly protein component. Every process in the cell needs an enzyme. Most reactions catalyzed by enzymes are much faster than when they are not catalyzed.

PKMzeta has two versions, including an original version and a mutant version. The mutant version of the enzyme is born if the rat body is invaded by a harmless virus.

Yadin Dudai and Todd Sacktor, two researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science, train mice to create many habits in them. Then they put the virus into the bodies of some animals to create a mutant version of PKMzeta. The results showed that the greater the concentration of PKMzeta, the more fading the memory of the mouse. For example, they are afraid of the smells they used to like, not doing the habits they have learned.

For non-infected mice, the greater the concentration of PKMzeta, the higher their memory.

In the future, the original PKMzeta version can be used to make drugs to enhance memories for people with dementia or mental disorders after a terrible event. Scientists can also turn the mutant version of PMKzeta into a drug to treat people who are obsessed with painful memories. This medicine helps the patient by erasing memories that cause fear. By changing the levels of PKMzeta in different brain regions, doctors can erase all memories in the human mind.

" Many types of molecules have the ability to enhance memory, but it is clear that PKMzeta is the master in this function, " said David Glanzman, a scientist at the University of California in the US. Glanzman did not participate in the study of the Weizmann Institute of Science.