Novel tools for deciphering mechanisms associated with learning and memory developed by Indian Scientists

In a recent development, Indian Scientists have developed a first-of-its-kind tool for understanding the process of long-term memory consolidation in the brain by capturing the neural signals from the rodent brain.

Learning and memory are the fundamental processes of the brain and are one of the most intensively studied subjects in the field of neuroscience. Learning is attributed to the acquisition of new data and memory. Retention of the acquired data leads to long-term memory (LTM) formation.

The new tool which uses the behavioural tagging model is a novel one to study LTM consolidation through behavioural analysis. On a similar line, bio-signals are now being used to explore the latest features of memory consolidation by a technique called In Vivo Electrophysiology which can be utilized by capturing the neural signals from rodent brain under experimental conditions

This novel tool is a first of its kind in India has been developed by Prof. Suhel Parvez and his group at the Department of Toxicology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard (Deemed to be  University),  New  Delhi, who established the Behavioral Tagging model for understanding the process of LTM consolidation in the brain. The research has recently been published in the journals ‘Theranostics’ and ‘Ageing Research Reviews.

The researchers used the In Vivo Electrophysiology Facility established at the Department of Toxicology with the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India under the “Promotion of University Research and Scientific Excellence (PURSE)” program for the capturing bio-signals for developing the behavioural tagging model.

“The facility is well equipped with several neurobehavioral apparatuses for rodents to assess parameters which are analyzed by using Any-MAZE software. Also, the research on neurodegenerative disorders causing memory impairment such as  Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and many more could utilize the findings of the work to find a direct link between the memory consolidation pathway and memory impairment mechanism in such a diseased state,” said Prof. Suhel. 

For a deeper understanding of behavioral aspects of brain functioning, Prof. Parvez and his group have established in vivo electrophysiology technique. The team is constantly making efforts for bridging the knowledge gap between memory formation and memory decline mechanisms by utilizing the Behavioral Tagging phenomenon in combination with in vivo electrophysiology.

Publication Details:

1. doi: 10.7150/thno.64806. (Impact Factor: 11.556).

2. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2022.101577  (Impact Factor: 10.895).

3. Vishnoi S, Raisuddin S, Parvez S, (2022). Behavioural Tagging: Role of Neurotransmitter Receptor Systems in Novel Object Recognition Long-Term Memory. ACS Omega. (Impact Factor: 3.512)

For more details, Prof. Suhel Parvez ([email protected]) can be contacted.