The phosphatase SHP2 regulates the spacing effect for long-term memory induction.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Long-term memory (LTM) induction requires spaced training sessions, a phenomenon known as the spacing effect.
• The molecular mechanisms underlying the spacing effect and its regulation are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of the protein tyrosine phosphatase corkscrew (CSW) in regulating the spacing effect for LTM induction in Drosophila.
• To elucidate the molecular pathways involving CSW and MAPK signaling in memory consolidation.

Main Methods:

• Genetic manipulation of CSW activity in Drosophila mushroom body neurons.
• Behavioral assays to assess LTM induction and inter-trial intervals.
• Biochemical analysis of CSW-dependent MAPK activation and inactivation cycles.

Main Results:

• Overexpression of wild-type CSW shortened the required resting intervals for LTM induction.
• Overexpression of constitutively active CSW prolonged these resting intervals.
• LTM-inducing training generated repetitive waves of CSW-dependent MAPK activation, with wave length correlating to resting interval duration.

Conclusions:

• CSW activity levels directly regulate the duration of resting intervals essential for LTM induction in Drosophila.
• CSW influences the MAPK inactivation cycle, providing a molecular mechanism for the spacing effect.
• Findings offer insight into the molecular basis of memory consolidation and potential links to cognitive conditions.