DNA methylation regulates the extinction of fear memory

Fear-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), significantly impact patients and families. Exposure therapy is a common treatment, but improving its effectiveness remains a key challenge. Fear conditioning and extinction in animal models offer insights into its mechanisms. Our previous research indicates that DNA methyltransferases play a role in fear memory renewal.

To investigate the role of DNA methylation in the extinction of fear memory, with the goal of identifying potential strategies to enhance the efficacy of exposure therapy for fear-related disorders.

This study investigated the role of DNA methylation in fear memory extinction in mice. DNA methylation was manipulated using N-phthalyl-L-tryptophan (RG108) to reduce methylation and L-methionine injections to enhance it. Neuronal activity, and dendritic spine density was measured following extinction training.

RG108 suppressed extinction, reduced spine density, and inhibited neuronal activity. Methionine injections facilitated extinction.

DNA methylation is crucial for fear memory extinction. Enhancing methylation may improve the efficacy of exposure therapy, offering a potential strategy to treat fear-related disorders.