Role of nucleosome composition and histone variant exchange in associative learning and memory

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Memory formation is a process in which fleeting events produce lasting outcomes by altering gene expression. Mechanisms by which the environment affects genes is not well understood, but it involves epigenetic modifications of histone proteins H2A, H2B, H3, and H4, which regulate access to DNA. My work is focused on understanding how histones regulate access to DNA as a method for understanding how memories form. We recently identified histone variants, which replace existing histones and alter access to DNA, as a novel epigenetic regulator of memory. Specifically, we found that H2A.Z, a variant of histone H2A, is an epigenetic factor that suppress memory through an unknown mechanism. Given its pervasive expression and relevance for memory, we will focus on mechanisms of H2A.Z regulation as an essential step in elucidating the role of histones in mediating lasting changes in behaviour.