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Molecular substrates of cognition: effects of normal ageing

Reference	BBS/E/B/47001119
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Dr Lawrence Wilkinson
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	Babraham Institute
Department	Babraham Institute Department
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	270,282
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/2000
Duration	36 months

Abstract

The aim is to elaborate the molecular substrates underlying attention, learning and memory and to investigate the effects of ageing on these processes using both rats and mice as experimental models. The first phase of experiments will investigate differences in the regional patterns of expression of candidate genes implicated in neural plasticity changes using paradigms where, according to learning theory, differential learning occurs. Critically, this will allow the events specific to learning and retrieval to be dissociated from those related to sensory and motor components of the paradigm. Parallel studies will examine interactions between molecular changes in discrete brain regions and the diffuse ascending systems, such as 5HT and acetylcholine, both implicated in age-related cognitive decline. The second phase of experiments will look for causal relationships between targeted molecular events and cognitive processes, using pharmacological and transgenic approaches. Finally, the effects of normal ageing on those molecular substrates having an established role in cognition will be examined. This project addresses Foresight H&LS priorities in molecular and cellular Neurobiology, cognitive sciences and Ageing by combining molecular and in vivo sampling techniques with animal learning theory, ensuring that: (a) understanding of the molecular basis of learning is based on data from well defined, real learning situations and (b) our studies on age-related cognitive decline can focus on molecular substrates known to have causal involvement in cognition. Likely benefits and outputs: (i) increased understanding of the genetic, neural and neurochemical factors involved in attentional, learning and memory function and associated plasticity changes and (ii) increased understanding of how these factors contribute to age and disease related cognitive decline. Main exploitation potential lies in the development of animal models (possibly novel transgenic models) essential to the discovery of new therapies to enhance cognitive function or to prevent its decline during normal ageing or during neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimers.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Animal Sciences (AS)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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