State-of-the-art integrated imaging system allows mapping of brain cells responsible for memory

Scientists from Kyoto University's Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (iCeMS) in Japan have developed an advanced imaging system to identify cells responsible for storing memory within a tiny worm. Their study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, not only offers a new way to identify molecular substrates of memory but may also one day lead to understanding how memory loss occurs in humans.

The human brain is estimated to contain approximately 100 billion cells that form trillions of connections and make up a highly complex network involved in memory. To simplify the investigation of the cells directly responsible for storing memory itself, the researchers turned to a highly defined and simple worm model, called Caenorhabditis elegans, which measures one millimeter in length and has only 302 neurons.

"Worms respond to stress from vibrations by moving backwards and escaping in a process called 'mechanosensing,'" explained Takuma Sugi, who led the study, "however, over time they get desensitized to this stimulus through memory acquisition, or learned habituation."

Because only a few types of brain cells, known as neurons, in the worms are responsible for this process, it is possible to determine each cell's responsibility. But to measure the worms' movements rapidly and accurately, the scientists built a state-of-the-art integrated imaging system - involving four charge coupled device cameras, a laser, mirrors, and an automated mechanical stimulation device - to simultaneously capture the movement of 9 Petri dishes containing the genetically modified worms that emitted a green light upon laser stimulation.

"In the end, we identified two neurons, AVA and AVD interneurons that relay signals, to be responsible for the learned habituation," said Sugi.

Since the genome of worms is 40% identical to a human's, the scientists are hoping that the new imaging system and the interneurons they discovered may further our understanding of how memory is stored in humans.

"It is possible that these results can be applied for therapies involving memory disorders and reducing stress in the future," said Sugi.