Persistence of long-term memory storage: new insights into its molecular signatures in the hippocampus and related structures

Neurotox Res. 2010 Nov;18(3-4):377-85. doi: 10.1007/s12640-010-9155-5. Epub 2010 Feb 12.

Abstract

Although much is known about long-term memory (LTM) consolidation, what puts the "long" in LTM is the exclusive feature of persisting over time. However, until recently the molecular mechanisms underneath memory persistence had never been properly studied. In rats, the protein translation inhibitor anisomycin impaired memory persistence when injected into the dorsal hippocampus 12 h after inhibitory avoidance (IA) training without affecting memory formation. Here, we also show learning-induced changes in hippocampal c-Fos, Homer 1a, Akt, CamKIIα, and ERK2 levels around 18-24 h after IA training. Thus, memory persistence is associated with a late phase of plasticity-related protein synthesis in the hippocampus.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Avoidance Learning / physiology
  • Brain Chemistry / physiology*
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 / chemistry
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 / physiology
  • Hippocampus / chemistry
  • Hippocampus / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Memory, Long-Term / physiology*
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / chemistry
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 / physiology
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Protein Biosynthesis / physiology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2
  • MAPK1 protein, human
  • Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1