Scientists Develop New Technique to Edit Brain Circuits and Boost Memory
Researchers in South Korea have created a novel method to precisely remove specific brain synapses, leading to improved memory function in laboratory studies. The breakthrough, named “SynTrogo,” uses star-shaped brain cells called astrocytes to target and eliminate unwanted neural connections, effectively rewiring brain circuits.
The research was conducted jointly by the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) Memory and Glia Research Group and the Korea Brain Research Institute (KBRI). Their findings were published in the international journal Nature Communications on April 15, 2025.
According to the research team, the approach was inspired by a natural immune process called trogocytosis, in which cells nibble away at neighboring cells. Scientists engineered a synthetic protein that enables astrocytes to capture and remove targeted synapses without damaging surrounding neurons.
When applied to the hippocampus — a brain region critical for learning and memory — in mice, the SynTrogo technique reduced synapse density by approximately 27%. Despite fewer connections, the remaining synapses became stronger and more efficient, resulting in enhanced memory performance.
Lead researcher Lee Sang-gyu of IBS described the development as a proof of concept for synaptic-level brain circuit editing using synthetic biology. He emphasized that the technology could lay the foundation for future efforts to modify the brain’s connectome — the comprehensive map of neural connections.
The team suggests that the ability to fine-tune synaptic networks may offer new therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders linked to abnormal synapse numbers, such as autism, and schizophrenia. By correcting imbalances in brain connectivity, the method could open new pathways for treating conditions currently lacking effective interventions.
Although the technique remains in early experimental stages, experts note that precise control over brain wiring represents a significant shift from traditional neuroscience approaches, which have primarily focused on modulating signal strength rather than altering structural connections.
