Identification of the memory signature: gene expression patterns underlying synapse strengthening and weakening

记忆特征的识别：突触增强和减弱的基因表达模式

• 批准号: 497786817
• 负责人: Dr. Camin Dean
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: Standort Berlin
• 依托单位国家: 德国
• 项目类别: Research Grants
• 资助国家: 德国
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/497786817?language=en
• 关键词: Identification; memory; signature; gene; expression

Changes in gene expression are necessary to strengthen or weaken synaptic connections between neurons. This is especially important in memory encoding circuits within high-level brain regions. In the hippocampus, long-term synapse strengthening (potentiation) and weakening (depression) promote remembering and forgetting, respectively. Both processes occur in response to specific patterns of neuronal activity. Many individual molecules involved in one or the other process have been identified, but a comprehensive unbiased “memory signature” of gene expression necessary for synapse strengthening or weakening is lacking. We aim to define the gene expression patterns associated with strengthened or weakened memory circuits, by sequencing neuronal tissue in which synapses have been strengthened or weakened by distinct patterns of neuronal activity that are causally related to memory. This knowledge could then be exploited to assess circuit and brain states, and to test possible therapeutic interventions that rescue weak synapses (in cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease, for example) or dampen over-active synapses.

基因表达的改变对于加强或削弱神经元之间的突触连接是必要的。这在大脑高级区域的记忆编码回路中尤为重要。在海马体中，长期突触增强（增强）和减弱（抑制）分别促进记忆和遗忘。这两个过程都是对特定的神经元活动模式的反应。许多参与其中一种或另一种过程的单个分子已被确定，但缺乏对突触增强或减弱所必需的基因表达的全面公正的“记忆特征”。我们的目标是定义与记忆回路增强或减弱相关的基因表达模式，通过对神经元组织进行测序，其中突触被与记忆因果相关的不同神经元活动模式增强或减弱。然后，这些知识可以用来评估回路和大脑状态，并测试可能的治疗干预措施，以挽救薄弱的突触（例如，在认知能力下降和神经退行性疾病中）或抑制过度活跃的突触。