Neural plasticity depends on this long noncoding RNA’s journey from nucleus to synapse

new study from scientists at Scripps Research and the Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience finds a central role for one signaling molecule, a long, noncoding RNA that the scientists named ADEPTR.

Making memories involves more than seeing friends or taking photos. The brain constantly adapts to new information and stores memories by building connections among neurons, called synapses.

How neurons do this—reaching out arm-like dendrites to communicate with other neurons—requires a ballet of genes, signaling molecules, cellular scaffolding and protein-building machinery.

Link to Research