In line with these data, GIP promotes neuronal survival in cultured cerebellar granule neurons by inhibiting apoptosis [606,1059], and mice deficient for Gipr show impaired learning and memory, along with reduced synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus [925], a key region that is implicated in spatial learning and memory [1060,1061] and involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases [929]. The gene discussed is GIP; the disease is neurodegenerative disease.