Molecular mechanisms of memory and learning (original) (raw)
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Specificity of molecular changes in neurons involved in memory storage
The FASEB Journal, 1990
Evidence implicating molecular steps in memory storage is discussed, particularly with reference to molecular specificity and uniqueness and the possible relevance of these steps to other types of long-lasting transformations such as those of development, regeneration, and tumorigenesis. The role of protein kinase Cmediated phosphorylation of identified protein subtrates, such as a 20,000-dalton GTP-bindi'ig protein, is described for associative memory of the snail Hermissenda, associative conditioning of the rabbit, and longterm potentiation. Cyclic AMP-mediated phosphorylation during sensitization of the snail Aplysia is also examined.-ALKON, D. L.; NELSON, T. J. Specificity of molecular changes in neurons involved in memory storage. FASEBJ 4: 1567-1576; 1990.
Mapping Molecular Memory: Navigating the Cellular Pathways of Learning
Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, 2012
A consolidated map of the signalling pathways that function in the formation of short-and long-term cellular memory could be considered the ultimate means of defining the molecular basis of learning. Research has established that experience-dependent activation of these complex cellular cascades leads to many changes in the composition and functioning of a neuron's proteome, resulting in the modulation of its synaptic strength and structure. However, although generally accepted that synaptic plasticity is the mechanism whereby memories are stored in the brain, there is much controversy over whether the site of this neuronal memory expression is predominantly pre-or postsynaptic. Much of the early research into the neuromolecular mechanisms of memory performed using the model organism, the marine snail Aplysia, has focused on the associated presynaptic events. Recently however, postsynaptic mechanisms have been shown to contribute definitively to long term memory processes, and are in fact critical for persistent learning-induced synaptic changes. In this review, in which we aimed to integrate many of the early and recent advances concerning coordinated neuronal signaling in both the pre-and postsynaptic neurons, we have provided a detailed account of the diverse cellular events that lead to modifications in synaptic strength. Thus, a comprehensive synaptic model is presented that could explain a few of the shortcomings that arise when the presynaptic and postsynaptic changes are considered separately. Although it is clear that there is still much to be learnt and that the exact nature of many of the signalling cascades and their components are yet to be fully understood, this still incomplete but integrated illustrative map of the cellular pathways involved provides an overview which expands understanding of the neuromolecular mechanisms of learning and memory.
Salud Mental, 2004
Extensos estudios celulares y conductuales han llevado a la postulacion de que la memoria es codificada por cambios en la fuerza sinaptica entre las neuronas, como lo ha demostrado la correlacion entre los cambios a largo plazo en la conducta de los animales y en las conexiones neuronales que generan una conducta especifica, en animales invertebrados o vertebrados, en los que los modelos celulares de plasticidad sinaptica, usando aproximaciones geneticas como el fenomeno de potenciacion de largo plazo (LTP), o el fenomeno de la depresion de largo plazo (LTD), han demostrado que dependen de cambios a largo plazo en la actividad sinaptica implicada en las conductas de aprendizaje y memoria. La memoria de largo plazo (LTM) es crucial para la sobrevivencia de los animales y representa un mecanismo fundamental para los eventos neurobiologicos en el sistema nervioso de las especies de vertebrados e invertebrados, incluyendo el del humano. Los cambios a largo plazo en la conectividad sinap...
Weaving the molecular and cognitive strands of memory
Neuron, 2001
strated the role of the transcription factors Zif 268 (Jones et al., 2001) and C/EBP (Taubenfeld et al., 2001) in long-term memory. Both of these transcription factors are in part regulated by CREB, and they may be compo-Psychology and nents of a transcriptional cascade that controls the for-Brain Research Institute mation and stability of long-term memory. C/EBP, for University of California, Los Angeles example, was shown to be required for the initial consoli-Los Angeles, California 90095 dation of new memories in mammals (Taubenfeld et al., 2001), and for the late phase of a protein-synthesis dependent synaptic facilitation in Aplysia. Summary The simpler nervous system and larger neurons of Aplysia have facilitated cellular studies of mechanisms Several recent studies seamlessly blend cognitive, underlying learning and memory. Pioneering electrosystems, and molecular neuroscience to unravel the physiological studies in neurons mediating the siphon temporal organization of memory.
Molecular mechanisms of learning and memory
Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, 2003
Memory is the process by which organisms are able to record their experiences, and use this information to adapt their responses to the environment. As such, it is vital for survival. In recent years, the development of spatially and temporally selective techniques for the regulation of gene expression has allowed the molecular details of this process to emerge. Here we review the molecular mechanisms thought to underlie memory acquisition and storage, as well as discuss recent evidence regarding the mechanisms of subsequent memory consolidation.
Learning & Memory, 2018
Long-term but not short-term memory and synaptic plasticity in many brain areas require neurotrophin signaling, transcription, and epigenetic mechanisms including DNA methylation. However, it has been difficult to relate these cellular mechanisms directly to behavior because of the immense complexity of the mammalian brain. To address that problem, we and others have examined numerically simpler systems such as the hermaphroditic marine mollusk Aplysia californica. As a further simplification, we have used a semi-intact preparation of the Aplysia siphon withdrawal reflex in which it is possible to relate cellular plasticity directly to behavioral learning. We find that inhibitors of neurotrophin signaling, transcription, and DNA methylation block sensitization and classical conditioning beginning ∼1 h after the start of training, which is in the time range of an intermediate-term stage of plasticity that combines elements of short- and long-term plasticity and may form a bridge betw...