WWC1 genotype modulates age-related decline in episodic memory function across the adult life Span

Abstract

Background Episodic memory (EM) declines with age and the rate of decline is variable across individuals. A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs17070145) in the WWC1 gene that encodes the KIBRA protein critical for long-term potentiation and memory consolidation has previously been associated with EM performance, as well as differences in hippocampal engagement during EM tasks using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In the current study, we explore the effect of this polymorphism on EM-related activity and cognitive performance across the adult life span using fMRI. Methods Two hundred thirty-two healthy, Caucasian subjects (18-89 years) completed a battery of cognitive tests, as well as an EM task during an fMRI scan. Results WWC1 T carriers had significantly better delayed recall performance than CC individuals (p =.006). The relationship between increasing age and recall scores (immediate and delayed) was also significantly different between WWC1 genotype groups (p =.01). In addition to the age-related decline in hippocampal formation (HF) activation (p