A cellular model of memory reconsolidation involves reactivation-induced destabilization and restabilization at the sensorimotor synapse in Aplysia

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2012 Aug 28;109(35):14200-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1211997109. Epub 2012 Aug 14.

Abstract

The memory reconsolidation hypothesis suggests that a memory trace becomes labile after retrieval and needs to be reconsolidated before it can be stabilized. However, it is unclear from earlier studies whether the same synapses involved in encoding the memory trace are those that are destabilized and restabilized after the synaptic reactivation that accompanies memory retrieval, or whether new and different synapses are recruited. To address this issue, we studied a simple nonassociative form of memory, long-term sensitization of the gill- and siphon-withdrawal reflex in Aplysia, and its cellular analog, long-term facilitation at the sensory-to-motor neuron synapse. We found that after memory retrieval, behavioral long-term sensitization in Aplysia becomes labile via ubiquitin/proteasome-dependent protein degradation and is reconsolidated by means of de novo protein synthesis. In parallel, we found that on the cellular level, long-term facilitation at the sensory-to-motor neuron synapse that mediates long-term sensitization is also destabilized by protein degradation and is restabilized by protein synthesis after synaptic reactivation, a procedure that parallels memory retrieval or retraining evident on the behavioral level. These results provide direct evidence that the same synapses that store the long-term memory trace encoded by changes in the strength of synaptic connections critical for sensitization are disrupted and reconstructed after signal retrieval.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aplysia
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Coculture Techniques
  • Electroshock
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / physiology
  • Fear / physiology
  • Gills / innervation
  • Memory / drug effects
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Models, Animal
  • Motor Neurons / cytology
  • Motor Neurons / physiology*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Neuronal Plasticity / drug effects
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Reflex / physiology
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / cytology
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / physiology*
  • Serotonin / pharmacology
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists / pharmacology
  • Synapses / physiology*

Substances

  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Serotonin Receptor Agonists
  • Serotonin