Homer-1a immediate early gene expression correlates with better cognitive performance in aging Journal Article

Local Library Link: Find It @ Loyola

Authors: Kaja, S.; Sumien, N.; Borden, P. K.; Khullar, N.; Iqbal, M.; Collins, J. L.; Forster, M. J.; Koulen, P.
Article Title: Homer-1a immediate early gene expression correlates with better cognitive performance in aging
Abstract: The molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive decline during healthy aging remain largely unknown. Utilizing aged wild-type C57BL/6 mice as a model for normal aging, we tested the hypothesis that cognitive performance, memory, and learning as assessed in established behavioral testing paradigms are correlated with the differential expression of isoforms of the Homer family of synaptic scaffolding proteins. Here we describe a loss of cognitive and motor function that occurs when Homer-1a/Vesl-1S protein levels drop during aging. Our data describe a novel mechanism of age-related synaptic changes contributing to loss of biological function, spatial learning, and memory formation as well as motor coordination, with the dominant negative uncoupler of synaptic protein clustering, Homer-1a/Vesl-1S, as a potential target for the prophylaxis and treatment of age-related cognitive decline.
Journal Title: Age (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
Volume: 35
Issue: 5
ISSN: 1574-4647; 0161-9152
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: Netherlands
Date Published: 2013
Start Page: 1799
End Page: 1808
Language: ENG
DOI/URL:

10.1007/s11357-012-9479-6
Notes: LR: 20161019; GR: P01 AG022550/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States; GR: P01 AG027956/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States; GR: S10RR022570/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States; GR: P01 AG010485/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States; GR: S10RR027093/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States; GR: P01AG027956/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States; GR: P01AG010485/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States; GR: S10 RR027093/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States; GR: S10 RR022570/RR/NCRR NIH HHS/United States; GR: P01AG022550/AG/NIA NIH HHS/United States; JID: 101250497; 0 (Carrier Proteins); 0 (Homer protein); OID: NLM: PMC3776093; 2012/05/23 [received]; 2012/09/13 [accepted]; ppublish