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

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。这在高级大脑区域内的记忆编码电路中尤其重要。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。这两个过程都是对神经元活动的特定模式做出反应。已经确定了许多参与其中一个过程的单个分子，但缺乏突触加强或减弱所需的基因表达的全面、无偏见的“记忆签名”。我们的目标是通过对突触被与记忆相关的不同神经元活动模式增强或减弱的神经元组织进行测序，来定义与增强或减弱记忆回路相关的基因表达模式。然后可以利用这些知识来评估电路和大脑状态，并测试可能的治疗干预措施，以挽救弱突触(例如，在认知衰退和神经退行性疾病中)或抑制过度活跃的突触。

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.