Cancer Drug Beats Memory Problems too

A drug that's showing promise against cancer might also play a role in treating people with Alzheimer's disease and other memory-robbing conditions.

It turns out the medication -- known as an HDAC inhibitor -- not only targets cancer, but relaxes a protein complex called chromatin that's responsible for compressing DNA in the brain. When chromatin loosens, DNA uncoils, opening the door to memory formation.

Studies have shown a protein called CBP causes chromatin to loosen its grip on DNA, while enzymes known as HDACs cause it to tighten back up. HCAC inhibitors work by preventing HDACs from causing that tightening effect.

The current study tested the ability of HDAC inhibitors to improve memory in mice. First researchers put the mice in a chamber and gave them a mild electric shock. Then they injected them with HDAC inhibitors and repeated the test the next day. Mice injected with the inhibitors froze in place longer at the location where they had received the first shock, illustrating they remembered it from the previous experience.

Further analysis showed mice treated with the inhibitors had stronger neural connections in the brain as well.

The investigators note HDAC inhibitors only work when CBP is present. Mice genetically engineered not to have CBP were not affected by the inhibitors. Since people with memory-robbing conditions often suffer from blocked CBP, their hope is HDAC inhibitors might unblock the protein, thus allowing for better neural functioning and improved memories.

source:www.wlns.com