Molecular Genetics of Human Cognition

Disruptions along the molecular cascade for memory formation lead to cognitive disorder. Memory formation begins with activation of signaling pathways at the membrane of dendritic spines. The signaling cascade reaches the nucleus, where the activity of transcription factors is modulated, resulting in changes in gene expression. Newly synthesized proteins cause long-term changes in cell function, such as the growth and maturation of new dendritic spines.