Roles of proteasome-dependent protein degradation in updating memory

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

In this study, we tried to understand molecular mechanisms by which memory is updated. To do this, we examined roles of proteasome-dependent protein degradation in process such as memory reconsolidation and extinction, both of which are models of updating memory, using several memory tasks in mice. We found that proteasome-dependent protein degradation is activated when retrieved memory is reconsolidated, enhanced or extinguished. In contrast, this protein degradation was not activated when memory is initially consolidated. Furthermore, the inhibition of proteasome-dependent degradation using drugs blocked destabilization, enhancement and extinction of retrieved memory. Taken together, our observations suggest that activation of proteasome-dependent protein degradation is required for update (modification) of existing memory. It is possible that proteasome-dependent protein degradation is an useful molecular marker of updating memory.