'Junk DNA' could be key to controlling fear

A piece of junk DNA could be the key to extinguishing fear-related memories for people with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The new gene was discovered while investigating how the genome responds to traumatic experiences.

Until recently, scientists thought the majority of our genes were made of junk DNA, which didn't do anything.

Most of the genome is active when researchers explore these regions.

The team identified 433 long non-codingRNAs from areas of the human genome that were not known before.

The technology is an interesting way to zero in on sites within the genome that would otherwise be hidden.

It is like using the power of the Hubble Telescope to peer into the unknown of the brain.

The researchers found that a new gene, labeled ADRAM, acts as a scaffold for molecules inside the cell, and also helps coordinate the formation of fear-extinction memory.

Until now, there have been no studies that focused on understanding these genes or how they might affect brain function.

The findings suggest that long non-codingRNAs provide a bridge, linking dynamic environmental signals with the mechanisms that control the way our brains respond to fear.

With this new understanding of gene activity, we can now work towards developing tools to target long non-coding RNAs in the brain that directly modify memory, and hopefully, develop a new therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder.

Cell Reports published this study.

More information: Wei Wei et al, ADRAM is an experience-dependent long noncoding RNA that drives fear extinction through a direct interaction with the chaperone protein 14-3-3, Cell Reports (2022). DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110546 Journal information: Cell Reports Citation: 'Junk DNA' could be key to controlling fear (2022, March 22) retrieved 23 March 2022 from https://phys.org/news/2022-03-junk-dna-key.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.