A new tool to assess mechanical and dielectric properties of tissues

Guhr, G.; Schmidt, H.; Weihnacht, M.

doi:10.1109/iembs.2009.5332908

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Metal binding to a particular nECM locale (address) results in conformational changes (flexing, contraction) of the local lattice geometry, with resultant modifications in the local neural membrane polarizabiltity/resistivity/elasticity sensed by the neuron. The [nECM/metal] complexes comprise configurable molecular switches by which neurons encode/decode cog-info. − …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Molecular Basis of Memory

Marx¹,

Gilon

2012

ACS Chem. Neurosci.

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We propose a tripartite biochemical mechanism for memory. Three physiologic components are involved, namely, the neuron (individual and circuit), the surrounding neural extracellular matrix, and the various trace metals distributed within the matrix. The binding of a metal cation affects a corresponding nanostructure (shrinking, twisting, expansion) and dielectric sensibility of the chelating node (address) within the matrix lattice, sensed by the neuron. The neural extracellular matrix serves as an electro-elastic lattice, wherein neurons manipulate multiple trace metals (n > 10) to encode, store, and decode coginive information. The proposed mechanism explains brains low energy requirements and high rates of storage capacity described in multiples of Avogadro number (N(A) = 6 × 10(23)). Supportive evidence correlates memory loss to trace metal toxicity or deficiency, or breakdown in the delivery/transport of metals to the matrix, or its degradation. Inherited diseases revolving around dysfunctional trace metal metabolism and memory dysfunction, include Alzheimer's disease (Al, Zn, Fe), Wilson's disease (Cu), thalassemia (Fe), and autism (metallothionein). The tripartite mechanism points to the electro-elastic interactions of neurons with trace metals distributed within the neural extracellular matrix, as the molecular underpinning of "synaptic plasticity" affecting short-term memory, long-term memory, and forgetting.

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