[The molecular scenarios of the consolidation of long-term memory]

Long-term memory consolidation is a critical event in the transition of short-lasting experiences into durable modifications of behaviour. Present article focuses on the problem of molecular bases of this process. It starts with a brief review of biochemical and pharmacological data demonstrating a universal dependence of long-term memory on gene expression in the brain. Some of the experimental studies of immediate early gene expression in the brain during learning are described in the second part of the article. A hypothesis is discussed according to which consolidation of long-term memory employ the same biphasic molecular cascade of gene expression that is used for cell growth and differentiation during development.