Fucose and Memory

Oligosaccharides have been implicated in the strengthening of neural connections, a process believed to underlie learning and memory.  We are studying the role of a particular saccharide, L-fucose, which is covalently attached to glycoproteins at the cell surface.

Several studies suggest that L-fucose plays a fundamental role in nerve cell communication and long-term memory storage.  The extent of protein fucosylation in the brain increases dramatically in response to learning and memory.  Inhibition of protein fucosylation using 2-deoxy-D-galactose causes amnesia in animals, presumably by blocking formation of fucose a(1-2) galactose linkages.  Interestingly, administration of free L-fucose in rats enhances memory retention and long-term potentiation (LTP), a widely accepted cellular model for memory. However, the molecular mechanisms by which fucosyl saccharides stimulate neural connections in the brain are not well understood.

2-deoxy-D-galactose blocks the formation of fucose α(1-2)

linkages and causes amnesia in animals

Our research is aimed at elucidating the role of fucosyl saccharides in learning and memory.  We employ multidisciplinary approaches, including organic synthesis, molecular biology, state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and fluorescence microscopy, to elucidate the proteins and complex recognition events mediated by fucose.  Ultimately, our goals are not only to provide insight into the chemical basis of memory, but also to develop strategies for intervention when these processes break down.