Grant: Operating Grant

We will pursue the understanding of formation and prolonging of memory at the behavioural and cellular level. We will use a relatively simple learning model in neonate mammals (rats, mice) to investigate how two inputs come together (associate) to produce learning; similar in concept to the famous Pavlov's dogs. In our model we use odor associated with a reward signal such as stroking the neonate animal (giving pleasure such as would occur with the mother licking the pup). The stroking actually causes stimulation of norepinephrine in the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter with widespread influences in the brain and has been shown to be involved in memory and other brain functions. Within cells, certain pathways seem to be important in memory formation and for even prolonging memory. Our research is focused upon unlocking mysteries of these pathways in memory formation. Additionally, we have found that the memory we study is sensitive to enabling longer memories than normal if certain targets in the cell are manipulated. Our studies may lead to developments in treating developmental learning disorders or lead to understanding memory which could provide memory enhancement approaches in young and aged adults.