Researchers from The University of Queensland (UQ) have discovered a new way a ribonucleic acid (RNA) impacts fear-related learning and memory.

Professor Timothy Bredy at UQ's Queensland Brain Institute said this is an exciting example of RNA's role in fine-tuning the cellular functions in the brain.

In a paper published in Nature Communications, the researchers demonstrated that a non-coding RNA known as Gas5 coordinates the trafficking and clustering of RNA molecules inside the long processes of neurons, and orchestrates neuronal excitability in real time that contributes to learning and memory.

"Understanding the complex world of RNA is a rapidly emerging area of neuroscience research, where we are constantly learning more about how different classes of RNA control the communication between and within brain cells," Bredy said.

"In this study, we found learning related RNAs at the synapse, and one in particular called Gas5, seem to be uniquely required for fear extinction memory.

"There's a lot more happening with these kinds of RNA molecules than we first thought, and that they influence cellular function on a millisecond timeframe, which mirrors the real-time changes in synaptic function that happen in the brain during learning, is extraordinary.

"Non-coding RNA may be the missing link to understanding how the brain processes critically important inputs that lead to the formation of memory."

This study builds on earlier findings from the Bredy lab that identified a separate population of learning-related RNAs that accumulate near the synapse—the junction between neurons that allow them to communicate.

In that paper, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the team shared the discovery of several new synapse-specific RNA harboring a specific chemical tag called N⁶-methyladenosine (m⁶A).

Lead author Dr. Sachithrani Madugalle said the findings highlighted the importance of m⁶A-modified RNAs in regulating synaptic plasticity.

"Readers are proteins that bind to the chemical tag and direct it to locations and functions," Dr. Madugalle said.

"The readers allowed us to determine the functional role of m⁶A-modified RNA molecules in the formation of new memories.

"By examining one such RNA, Malat1, we discovered the key proteins that interact with this RNA and support processes related to an important type of memory called fear extinction.

"Fear extinction impairment is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

"When Malat1 is chemically decorated with m⁶A, this allows it to interact with different proteins in the synaptic compartment, which can then alter the mechanisms involved in the formation of fear extinction memory.

"This new information may inform the development of future RNA therapies to address PTSD.

"By understanding where, when, and how an RNA molecule is activated and having a precise marker will help us identify the target for therapies."

In both studies, the team employed an innovative new tool that allowed them to manipulate the functional state of an RNA molecule, together with Professor Bryan Dickinson and Dr. Simone Rauch at the University of Chicago.

"We are now looking for ways to harness RNA to control the aspects of synaptic function underlying memory formation and to potentially develop an RNA therapeutic for the treatment of PTSD and phobia," Professor Bredy said.