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Metabolic constraints on synaptic learning and memory.

Jan Karbowski1,2

  • 1Institute of Applied Mathematics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

Journal of Neurophysiology
|August 1, 2019
PubMed
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.

Keywords:
cascade modelsenergy cost of learning and memoryentropy productionmemory lifetimemolecular mechanisms of synaptic plasticity

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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.