What's right with my mouse model? New insights into the molecular and cellular basis of cognition from mouse models of Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

摘要

The first gene-targeting studies that examined learning and memory in mice were performed in 1992 (Grant et al. 1992; Silva et al. 1992). The ultimate goal of this new field was to understand the molecular and cellular processes underlying normal cognition and how they may be altered in disease states. In the years since these pioneering studies, well over 100 different molecules have been identified that are essential to or modulate learning and memory. Despite this rapid progress, the translation of these basic findings to human cognitive disorders has been slow. However, this may be changing. In this issue, Wood et al. (2005) use a combination of approaches to examine the molecular, cellular, and systems basis of a learning and memory disorder. Together with recent results from other groups, these findings not only provide valuable insights into cognition, but represent important first steps toward developing treatments for cognitive disorders.