The Role of PKMzeta in Memory Destabilization and Reconsolidation

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The study of memory has come a long way in identifying important molecules in the brain necessary for learning and maintaining long-term memories. One such molecule is the protein PKMzeta which is crucial for maintaining memories over time. What is unclear, however, is how PKMzeta and its memory maintenance process copes with rapid changes to memory. For instance, when certain stored (stable) memories are recalled, they become temporarily unstable only to be re-stabilized shortly thereafter. How memories destabilize on the cellular level is largely unclear but it seems likely that changes to PKMzeta may be responsible. This research will investigate the role of PKMzeta in memory destabilization and re-stabilization (or “reconsolidation”). To do so, we will use biochemistry techniques to study and manipulate auditory fear memories in rats at the protein level. Specifically, these are memories in which a rat learns that a tone predicts a footstock and subsequently shows fear behavior (“freezing”) when the tone is played.