A recent study has found that by inhibiting the expression of PDE4B protein, mice can have higher cognitive abilities. Compared to normal mice, the genetically modified mice were able to remember more distant events, and can solve more complex problems. This study, conducted by a Joint Task Force of Canadian and British, was published in the latest issue of “Neuropsychopharmacology”.

Phosphodiesterase-4B is a common enzyme in vertebrates. This enzyme is generally expressed in different organs (including the brain), and its function is to interrupt catalytic phosphodiester bond. By changing the gene, the role of PDE4B in mice is suppressed. And behavioral studies found that the transgenic mice have a high “IQ”. For example, compared to normal mice, transgenic mice are capable of remembering the mice they have seen before for a longer time. And their ability to solve problems are also stronger than normal mice. For example, in a test called “Morris water maze”, these transgenic mice are capable of locating hidden escape platform faster. The study found that the enhanced neurogenesis ability and synaptic change in mutant mice is corresponding to its behavior.

However, the transgenic mice seem to take more anxiety than normal mice. Normal mice tend to prefer closed, dark environment, but the transgenic mice will spend more time under open environment, and they prefer more bright places. At the same time these transgenic mice are relatively not that strong to fear memories. Normal mice have some fear for the cat, but the transgenic mice tend to forget easily about the fear of cat. This suggests that the transgenic mice might prefer to try something more risky.

This forgetfulness of fear might provides some inspiration for for human health treatment. Although the research was done in mice, PDE4B protein also exists in human beings. If the PDE4B was inhibited, humans may have the similar behavioral changes. This fear of amnesia in mice also can provide some reference for the study of human health, because people sometimes need to remove some of the horrible memories, especially those people who are suffering from post-stress traumatic disorder. Removing these fear memories is really important for future life.

Only the inhibition of PDE4B protein expression can enable us to see behavior changes related to cognitive in mice, so this PDE4B protein may be associated with certain cognitive. More in-depth studies of this protein may provide ideas for the treatment of cognitive disorders, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress as well as other symptoms.