Hope raised over Alzheimer's drugs

Scientists have found one of the key proteins involved in the process of memory and learning.

The breakthrough, at the University of Leicester's Department of Cell Physiology and Pharmacology, was led by professor of Cell Biology, Professor Andrew Tobin.

The work, done in collaboration with other scientists, has been published online ahead of print in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

"The work is focused on the mechanisms by which we form memories", Professor Tobin said.

"We found one of the key proteins involved in the process of memory and learning.

"This protein is present in the part of the brain in which memories are stored.

"We have found that in order for any memory to be laid down this protein, called the M3-muscarinic receptor, has to be activated.

"This protein undergoes a very specific change during the formation of a memory –

and that this change is an essential part of memory formation.

"In this regard our study reveals at least one of the molecular mechanisms that are operating in the brain when we form a memory and, as such, this represents a major break through in our understanding of how we lay down memories."