Scientists have identified over 100 genes linked to memory, opening up new avenues of research to better understand memory processing in the human brain.
The results showed that a different group of genes, which had not previously been linked to any brain process, are used in memory processing than the genes involved when the brain is in a resting state.
Memory impairments play a major role in the development of as Alzheimer's disease.
The findings can help scientists better understand and treat a range of conditions involving memory impairment, from epilepsy to Alzheimer's disease, said Bradley Lega, a neurosurgeon at the O'Donnell Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Centre.
"Our results have provided a lot of new entry points into understanding human memory," added Genevieve Konopka, assistant professor at the University of Texas.
The study includes the results of a new strategy to identify genes that underlie specific brain processes.
This strategy may eventually help scientists develop treatments for patients with memory impairments, the researchers said.
"Many of these genes were not previously linked to memory," Konopka said.
For the study, published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, the team evaluated brain activity during active information processing.
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