New Publications Protective mechanism discovered in the formation of fear memories

A new study discovered a biological mechanism that may play a role in regulating resilience to adverse life events. Dr. Ana MM Oliveira’s research group and collaborators found that the formation of strong fear memories involves a unique molecular process that is not present during the consolidation of weak fear memories.

In mouse experiments, the researchers discovered that the exposure to an aversive experience leads to two periods of high levels of the protein Npas4 in the mouse brain, while a mildly unpleasant event triggered only one. Intriguingly, they found that the second phase appears to function like a “break” that prevents that very strong fear memories are formed. The researchers found that the biphasic elevation of Npas4 protein levels in the brain after a traumatic event led to increased inhibition onto hippocampal cells. This regulation of neuronal activity may be the process by which Npas4 steers fear memories.

These findings put forth the novel idea that the brain is equipped with a mechanism that fine-tunes the strength of a memory of an aversive event. Moreover, this study presents a molecular target that can be harnessed to the development of novel therapies.