Activity dependent plasticity - learning and reorganization

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We all learn and most of us tend to be quite good at doing so. The more amazing thing about learning is that the brain allows for the memory of events we learn about to be remembered days, months, even decades after the learning took place. One of the most compelling theories outlines brain cell changes, which would include the change in shape and structure of brain cells, that would underlie learning and memory. This theory has some convincing evidence that brain cells (neurons) will grow and change their shape in animals that are taught new skills. The relationships between learning, brain cell change and the underlying mechanisms that take place within the cells themselves, however, are not well understood. This proposal is concerned with studying real learning, memory and the way that the brain changes in response to experience. We expect to study many characteristics of the mammalian brain that may change with learning by defining 1) which neurons change, 2) alterations in protein levels, 3) the use of vascular support associated with learning. We now accept that the brain changes over the lifespan, but we do not yet know the limitations or the extent of these changes and we will 1) investigate the persistence of change over the long term and 2) determine levels of plasticity with aging. Finally, we will exam some of the factors that limit the ability of the brain to change, such as illness and injury. The role of neurons in the cortex of the brain is the principal focus of the proposal because 1) the cortex is the most likely the storage site for long-term memories, 2) neuronal architecture has been well characterized, 3) neuronal plasticity has been reported in many motor cortex areas in response to environmental novelty and learning, and 4) motor learning-induced neuronal plasticity has been reported to correlate with physiological measures. The significance of this work is that my lab will contribute to the understanding of how it is that we learn and remember.