Researchers from King's College London, the University of Exeter, and the University of California Irvine have made a significant discovery regarding a gene's role in learning and memory. The gene, called KDM5B, which has previously been associated with intellectual disability disorders and autism, has now been found to regulate these cognitive functions in mice.

The study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, involved genetically modifying mice to reduce the function of the KDM5B gene in their brains. The researchers aimed to isolate the gene's impact on learning and memory separate from developmental effects. The findings revealed that mice with reduced function of KDM5B experienced deficits in memory and learning abilities.

Specifically, the team observed that the reduction in KDM5B function led to a decrease in the brain's ability to strengthen connections between neurons, which are crucial for memory formation. The mice bred without a fully functional KDM5B gene exhibited worse learning and memory abilities.

To rule out any potential impact on brain development, the researchers also reduced the amount of KDM5B gene in a separate group of adult mice, focusing on the hippocampus – the brain region responsible for memory. In this case, reduced gene function resulted in epileptic seizures in some mice and a deterioration of their learning and memory abilities.

The study further highlighted that KDM5B has the ability to modify the structure of genetic material in our cells. This modification determines whether genes necessary for brain development or function are expressed at the correct amount and time. Thus, when KDM5B function is impaired, it can disrupt the delicate balance needed for optimal cognitive functioning.

Dr. Leticia Peres-Sisquez, who conducted the research at King's College London, emphasized the direct impact of KDM5B on learning and memory, separate from any effect during brain development. This finding highlights the gene's potential as an important target for future treatments aimed at addressing conditions like autism and other intellectual disability disorders.

The study's lead investigator, Professor Albert Basson, expressed the significance of their work, stating that understanding the underlying mechanisms of memory and learning is crucial for unlocking new ways to enhance these cognitive functions.

The research was funded by the Medical Research Council and the National Institutes of Aging, with support from Wellcome. With this groundbreaking study, scientists have taken a significant step towards unravelling the complexities of cognitive abilities and offering potential pathways for therapeutic interventions.