Roles of Rac1-Dependent Intrinsic Forgetting in Memory-Related Brain Disorders: Demon or Angel

Animals are required to handle daily massive amounts of information in an ever-changing environment, and the resulting memories and experiences determine their survival and development, which is critical for adaptive evolution. However, intrinsic forgetting, which actively deletes irrelevant information, is equally important for memory acquisition and consolidation. Recently, it has been shown that Rac1 activity plays a key role in intrinsic forgetting, maintaining the balance of the brain's memory management system in a controlled manner. In addition, dysfunctions of Rac1-dependent intrinsic forgetting may contribute to memory deficits in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Here, these new findings will provide insights into the neurobiology of memory and forgetting, pathological mechanisms and potential therapies for brain disorders that alter intrinsic forgetting mechanisms.

Automated summary

Animals must process large amounts of information in order to adapt to a changing environment, and their memories and experiences play a crucial role in their survival and development. Intrinsic forgetting, the active deletion of irrelevant information, is equally important for memory acquisition and consolidation. Recent research has shown that Rac1 activity is a key player in intrinsic forgetting, maintaining the balance of the brain's memory management system. Dysfunctions in Rac1-dependent intrinsic forgetting may contribute to memory deficits in neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. These findings provide insights into the neurobiology of memory and forgetting, as well as potential therapies for brain disorders that affect intrinsic forgetting mechanisms.