Two postdoctoral researchers from the Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology lab at the CNCR, VU Amsterdam, have each been awarded an NWO-XS grant to investigate how synapses on engram neurons (the specific brain cells that store memories) change to stabilize or modify memories. 

Dr. Sanne Beerens (Memory Circuits team) will investigate how different intensities of aversive experiences alter synaptic properties of engram neurons in the prefrontal cortex. This could explain why traumatic memories in PTSD are so persistent while other fear memories fade. 

Dr. Janina Kupke (Memory Circuits and Molecular Engram teams) will study whether DNA methylation, a lasting chemical mark on DNA, helps engram neurons maintain stable synaptic connections over time. Using advanced genetic tools and synapse-specific proteomics, she will map the protein landscape of engram synapses to reveal the molecular signatures that keep memories alive. 

By revealing how engram neurons store and adapt memories, these projects aim to uncover new targets that may be new entry points for the treatment of memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease, age-related cognitive decline, and the persistence of traumatic memories in PTSD. 

About the NWO-XS grant 
The Open Competition Domain Science – XS grants, with a maximum value of €50,000, aim to support promising ideas and facilitate innovative and more speculative initiatives within the seven Domain Science disciplines. The proposed research is ground-breaking and high-risk. What counts is that all results, be they positive or negative, must contribute to the advancement of science. 

Source: CNCR