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Metabolic constraints on synaptic learning and memory
1Institute of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
Journal of Neurophysiology
|August 1, 2019
Summary
Synaptic plasticity, crucial for memory, uses a small fraction of brain energy (4.0-11.2%). New learning and memory traces are metabolically efficient, costing less than prior memories.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Metabolic Biochemistry
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Dendritic spines are vital for long-term memory and consume significant brain energy.
- The energetic cost of synaptic plasticity, linked to learning and memory, is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate the energy cost of synaptic plasticity.
- To analyze the metabolic cost of new learning and memory traces.
- To explore the thermodynamic principles of synaptic plasticity models.
Main Methods:
- Estimation based on neurophysiological and proteomic data from rat brains.
- Analysis using cascade models of synaptic plasticity.
- Consideration of protein phosphorylation and molecular transition rates.
Main Results:
- Synaptic plasticity accounts for 4.0-11.2% of fast excitatory synaptic transmission energy.
- Longer memories generally require more energy, but efficiency increases with faster molecular transitions.
- Memory traces are dynamically decoupled from synaptic metabolic rates, showing metabolic efficiency.
Conclusions:
- Synaptic plasticity represents a small, efficient energy cost for memory formation.
- Cascade models of synaptic plasticity require bidirectional cyclic motifs for thermodynamic compatibility.
- The energy expenditure for new learning is minimal compared to existing memory energy costs.
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