[Epigenetics and long-term memory formation]

Mechanisms underlying long-term memory formation are one of the hottest topics in neurobiology. It was shown that gene expression is needed for the long-term memory formation. Profiles of expressed genes and their regulation are intensively studied. Multi componential regulatory mechanisms make this task even more difficult. Till now have been described a number of DNA binding transcription factors involved in gene expression regulation during learning. However activation of transcription factors is not sufficient for the induction of gene expression, and for this process chromatin modification (remodeling) is necessary. Processes of chromatin remodeling are considered to be epigenetical (on top of genome). Histone phosphorylation, methylation and acetylation, as well as DNA methylation play the most important role in chromatin remodeling. Dysfunction of these processes leads to the inability to form long-term memory. In this review we will describe role of transcription factors and chromatin modifications in the long-term memory formation of invertebrates and vertebrates. Additionally we will discuss perspectives of memory improvement through the modifications of the epigenetic mechanisms.