A gene known as PKR released in the brains of both mice and humans when triggered by the onset of Alzheimer’s can apparently be blocked by a newly discovered gene, and induce a state of “super memory” in the mice it has been tested on. This gene works to reverse the course of many degenerative mental illnesses including Alzheimer’s.
"If we were to find an inhibitor, a molecule, a drug that will specifically block PKR, we should be able to do the same [in humans]," Maura Costa-Mattioli, who led the research study at Baylor University, told the Vancouver Sun. "And we did."
"We recognize that PKR plays a dual role, one in regulating simple everyday processes like the way neurons talk to each other [for] memory, but also has a stress response," added John Bell, a senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute who also contributed to the study when his cancer research led to the creation of PKR-deficient mice that he shared with Costa-Mattioli's lab.
When PKR is blocked, the gamma interferon can work to improve brain functions. The possible application for humans would lead to something like taking a "brain pill" to treat diseases like Alzheimer's. The PKR-deficient mice showed significantly better memory and learning abilities than their counterparts.
Of course, Costa-Mattioli said the goal is not to create a new society of super-memory powered people.
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