Vascular Cells are Crucial for Long-term Memory Formation

Research on long-term memories has largely focused on the role of neurons—the brain’s nerve cells. However, in recent years, scientists are discovering that other cell types are also vital in memory formation and storage.

A recent study, published in the journal Neuron, sheds light on the essential role of vascular system cells called pericytes in the creation of long-term memories of life events, which are often impaired in diseases like Alzheimer’s. Conducted by neuroscientists at New York University, the research reveals that pericytes, which envelop capillaries (the body’s small blood vessels), collaborate with neurons to facilitate the formation of long-term memories.

Paving the Way for Therapies Targeting Memory Disorders

Cristina Alberini, a professor at New York University’s Center for Neural Science and the senior author of the study, notes, “We now have a more solid understanding of the cellular processes that enable the creation and retention of memories. This is significant because comprehending how different types of cells cooperate will aid the development of therapies for memory-related disorders.”

The study draws connections between the newfound role of pericytes in memory and prior research indicating that pericytes are either damaged or lost in various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, as explained by author Benjamin Bessières, a postdoctoral researcher at NYU’s Center for Neural Science.

Pericytes play a crucial role in preserving the structural integrity of capillaries. Specifically, they regulate blood flow in the brain and help maintain the barrier that prevents pathogens and harmful substances from leaking out of capillaries and into brain tissue.

The revelation of pericytes’ significance in long-term memory emerged during the study of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), a protein known to increase after learning in brain regions like the hippocampus and to play a pivotal role in memory formation and storage. It was found that the highest levels of IGF2 in brain cells within the hippocampus come from pericytes, rather than neurons, glial cells, or other vascular cells.

The presence of IGF2 in pericytes prompts the question:

How does this relate to memory? To investigate, the researchers conducted a series of cognitive experiments using mice. They compared the behavior of mice with pericytes that produced IGF2 to those without this capacity. By disabling IGF2 production in some mice, the researchers could pinpoint the significance of both pericytes and IGF2 in neurological processes.

During these experiments, the mice underwent various memory tests, including tasks involving the association of a mild foot shock with a specific context and the identification of objects placed in new locations.

The results revealed that the production of IGF2 by pericytes in the hippocampus increased in response to the learning event. More specifically, this elevation in pericytic IGF2 occurred due to neuronal activity, indicating a coordinated interaction between neurons and pericytes. Additionally, IGF2 produced by pericytes was found to influence the biological responses of neurons critical for memory.

Advancements in Cellular Processes Hold Promise for Memory Disorder Therapies

Kiran Pandey, a postdoctoral researcher at NYU’s Center for Neural Science, noted, “IGF2 produced by pericytes and acting on neurons support the idea that a neurovascular unit regulates neuronal responses as well as functions of the blood barrier and may have repercussions on brain injury and inflammation.“

Cristina Alberini added, “Collaboration between neurons and pericytes is essential to ensure the formation of long-term memories. Our study provides fresh insights into the biology of memory, although further research is needed to fully grasp the roles of pericytes and the vascular system in memory and its associated disorders.”

The research team also included scientists from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and the University of Cambridge.

It’s worth noting that Cristina Alberini is a founder and holds equity in Ritrova Therapeutics, Inc., a company exploring new treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, this study was not funded by the company.

Read the original article on: Tech Xplore

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