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Translational control by eIF2α kinases in long-lasting synaptic plasticity and long-term memory
1Pharmaceutical Research Division, CNS Drug Discovery Unit, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 251-8555, Japan.
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory
|May 28, 2013
Summary
New protein synthesis is crucial for memory and synaptic plasticity. This review highlights how regulating eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α) phosphorylation controls this process, impacting long-term memory formation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- New protein synthesis is essential for synaptic plasticity and memory formation.
- Translational control mechanisms regulate protein synthesis involved in these cognitive processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on translational control mechanisms in synaptic plasticity and memory.
- To highlight the role of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2α) phosphorylation in these processes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of genetic, molecular, electrophysiological, and pharmacological studies.
- Focus on the regulation of eIF2α phosphorylation by its kinases.
Main Results:
- eIF2α phosphorylation is a critical control point for both general and gene-specific translation.
- Proper regulation of eIF2α phosphorylation by its kinases is vital for long-lasting synaptic plasticity.
- This regulation is also crucial for long-term memory consolidation.
Conclusions:
- Translational control, specifically via eIF2α phosphorylation, is a key mechanism underlying long-term memory.
- Understanding the kinases regulating eIF2α phosphorylation offers insights into memory formation and potential therapeutic targets.
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