Stress, epigenetic control of gene expression and memory formation

Trollope, Alexandra F., Gutirrèz-Mecinas, María, Mifsud, Karen R., Collins, Andrew, Saunderson, Emily A., and Reul, Johannes M.H.M. (2012) Stress, epigenetic control of gene expression and memory formation. Experimental Neurology, 233 (1). pp. 3-11.

[img]
Preview
PDF (Accepted author version) - Accepted Version
Download (1MB) | Preview
[img] PDF (Published Version) - Published Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

View at Publisher Website: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.expneurol.20...
 
55
1225


Abstract

Making memories of a stressful life event is essential for an organism's survival as it allows it to adapt and respond in a more appropriate manner should the situation occur again. However, it may be envisaged that extremely stressful events can lead to formation of traumatic memories that are detrimental to the organism and lead to psychiatric disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The neurotransmitter glutamate and the ERK MAPK signaling pathway play a principal role in learning and memory. Glucocorticoid hormones acting via the glucocorticoid receptor have been shown to strengthen the consolidation of memories of stressful events. The ERK MAPK signaling pathway and glucocorticoid receptor-mediated actions have recently been shown to drive epigenetic modifications and conformational changes in the chromatin, stimulating the expression of neuroplasticity-related genes involved in stress-related learning and memory processes. The main epigenetic regulatory mechanisms are histone modifications and DNA (de-)methylation. Recently, studies have demonstrated that these processes are acting together in concert to regulate gene expression required for memory consolidation.

This review explores the role of stress in learning and memory paradigms and the participating signaling pathways and epigenetic mechanisms and the enzymes that control these modifications during the consolidation process of memory formation.

Item ID: 26843
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1090-2430
Keywords: stress; learning and memory; epigenetic; glucocorticoid; histone; post-translation modifications; phosphorylation; acetylation; methylation; DNA; signaling; gene; NMDA; chromatin; behavior
Date Deposited: 20 May 2013 04:09
FoR Codes: 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0604 Genetics > 060404 Epigenetics (incl Genome Methylation and Epigenomics) @ 70%
17 PSYCHOLOGY AND COGNITIVE SCIENCES > 1702 Cognitive Science > 170205 Neurocognitive Patterns and Neural Networks @ 30%
SEO Codes: 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 70%
97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970117 Expanding Knowledge in Psychology and Cognitive Sciences @ 30%
Downloads: Total: 1225
Last 12 Months: 113
More Statistics

Actions (Repository Staff Only)

Item Control Page Item Control Page