Altering memory by affecting staufen function

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for screening a pharmaceutical agent for its ability to modulate long term memory formation, performance of a hippocampal-dependent cognitive task or STAUFEN function. The present invention also provides methods for modulating long term memory formation or performance of a hippocampal-dependent cognitive task by modulating staufen-dependent protein expression. The present invention further provides methods for treating a defect in long term memory formation associated with a defect in STAUFEN and methods for treating a defect in performance of a hippocampal-dependent cognitive task associated with a defect in STAUFEN.

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         20 . A method of modulating long term memory formation in a mammal comprising modulating STAUFEN function in said animal. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein long term memory formation is enhanced. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein modulating STAUFEN function comprises administering to said mammal a pharmaceutical agent which modulates STAUFEN function in said mammal, in an amount effective to modulate STAUFEN function in said mammal. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 20 , wherein said mammal is a rodent or a human. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 20  comprising modulating STAUFEN protein expression in said mammal. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein long term memory formation is enhanced. 
     
     
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