WEDNESDAY, June 23, 2004 (HealthDayNews) -- Research with mutant mice has provided scientists with a better understanding of the memory problems that affect people with a disorder called Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS).
The research, published in the June 24 issue of the journal Neuron, involved two strains of mutant mice with a crippled version of an important memory molecule called CREB-binding protein.
The researchers of the two studies suggest that certain drugs currently being tested to treat cancer and Huntington's disease may be able to restore some memory capability to people with RTS, which is characterized by mental and growth retardation and skeletal abnormalities. About one in 125,000 babies are born with RTS.
The findings of these studies could help lead to the development of treatments for RTS and other memory disorders, as well as ways to improve memory in otherwise healthy people, the researchers noted.
More information
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about RTS.
