The study, led by researchers at King’s College London, the University of Exeter and the University of California Irvine, found that reduced function of the KDM5B gene in the brain results in loss of learning ability and memory and a reduction in the brain’s ability to strengthen connections between neurons, which is key in the formation of memories.
The KDM5B gene has previously been linked to some intellectual disability disorders and autism. In the general population, some variants are also associated with reduced brain function, although not sufficient to cause an overt disability or behavioural symptoms.
Significance and Implications
This discovery is significant as it provides new insights into the fundamental mechanisms of memory and learning, which could potentially lead to new ways to improve these functions. The study demonstrates that the KDM5B gene, previously linked to intellectual disability, has a direct impact on learning and memory in mice. This finding opens up new avenues of research into the genetic basis of learning disabilities and suggests the potential for developing treatments for these conditions.