MIF(see strucutre : wikipedia : a pro-inflammatory cytokine that is expressed in the CNS) is normally thought to play a role in tissue swelling (inflammatory mediator possibly associated with rheumatoid arthritis, RA-severity) and even cancer development (metastatic potential in speculative models of cancer), but its precise location and function in the brain remained a mystery before Carmen Sandi's (lead researcher) study.
The research team, first detected a concentration of MIF protein in stem cells in the hippocampus, (a key area for memory formation and neuron generation during adulthood). New neurons are thought to be linked to the creation of new memories but they may also play an important role in curbing anxiety (previous studies have shown that prolonged periods of stress reduce neurogenesis, and many anti-depressants actually boost the production of new neurons).
By genetically and pharmaceutically manipulating the level of MIF in the hippocampus of rats, the researchers discovered that the absence of MIF significantly reduced the production of neurons and increased anxiety They also found that the lack of MIF decreases the ability of anti-depressants to stimulate neurogenesis.
As per the claim by the researchers, genetic deletion of MIF resulted in increased anxiety and depression-like behaviors, as well as of impaired hippocampus-dependent memory. Researchers conclude that, MIF as a potentially relevant molecular target for the development of treatments linked to deficits in neurogenesis, as well as to problems related to anxiety, depression, and cognition....