The Regulation of Transcription in Memory Consolidation

  1. Eric R. Kandel2,3,4,5,6
  1. 1Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York 10003
  2. 2Zuckerman Mind Brain Behavior Institute, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032
  3. 3Department of Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032
  4. 4Kavli Institute for Brain Science, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032
  5. 5Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032
  6. 6College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York 10032
  1. Correspondence: ca60{at}nyu.edu; erk5{at}columbia.edu

Abstract

De novo transcription of DNA is a fundamental requirement for the formation of long-term memory. It is required during both consolidation and reconsolidation, the posttraining and postreactivation phases that change the state of the memory from a fragile into a stable and long-lasting form. Transcription generates both mRNAs that are translated into proteins, which are necessary for the growth of new synaptic connections, as well as noncoding RNA transcripts that have regulatory or effector roles in gene expression. The result is a cascade of events that ultimately leads to structural changes in the neurons that mediate long-term memory storage. The de novo transcription, critical for synaptic plasticity and memory formation, is orchestrated by chromatin and epigenetic modifications. The complexity of transcription regulation, its temporal progression, and the effectors produced all contribute to the flexibility and persistence of long-term memory formation. In this article, we provide an overview of the mechanisms contributing to this transcriptional regulation underlying long-term memory formation.



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      1. Cold Spring Harb. Perspect. Biol. 7: a021741 Copyright © 2015 Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press; all rights reserved

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