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Role of a transcription factor (CREB) in memory processes
1Department of General and Environmental Physiology, Naples, Italy
Rivista Di Biologia
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Long-term memory (LTM) formation relies on synthesizing new proteins, a process regulated by cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Disrupting CREB function blocks LTM, highlighting conserved molecular mechanisms across species.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Memory storage involves short-term (STM) and long-term phases (LTM).
- LTM requires new RNA and protein synthesis, unlike STM which uses pre-existing proteins.
- Cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) are crucial for LTM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of CREB in long-term memory formation.
- To explore the conserved molecular mechanisms underlying LTM encoding across different species.
Main Methods:
- Investigated CREB function in Aplysia, Drosophila, and mice.
- Used microinjection of CRE oligonucleotides in Aplysia neurons.
- Employed reverse genetics in Drosophila to manipulate CREB expression.
- Analyzed CREB knockout mice for behavioral deficits.
Main Results:
- Interfering with CREB activation in Aplysia blocked LTM but not STM.
- Disrupting CREB in Drosophila specifically blocked or enhanced LTM.
- CREB knockout mice exhibited normal STM but impaired LTM.
Conclusions:
- CREB plays a conserved, critical role in the molecular mechanisms of long-term memory encoding.
- Novel protein synthesis regulated by CREB is essential for synaptic modifications underlying LTM.
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