Studies on plasticity related proteins and glutamatergic tags in long term memory

Abstract

Memory is one of the most fundamental processes of brain and we have not yet explored the complete notion of its underlying mechanism. Learning and memory are one of those frontier areas of neurobiology which attract us to investigate the intricacy of this process. Here we aimed to investigate the general mechanism of Behavioural Tagging in long term memory (LTM) formation and to find the key factors playing role in consolidation of LTM. It has been reported that consolidation process requires some molecular markers and these molecular markers are upregulated by the process of behavioural tagging and capture. Here, we ve shown that not only PRPs but neurotransmitters and immediate early genes also play an important role in memory formation process. Previously, it was reported that memory traces can last longer if close in time novelty is introduced around memory encoding. This novelty exploration acts as a modulator in memory persistence by providing PRPs, enhancing neurotransmitters, IEGs and some enzymes. This process is known as behavioural tagging and capture. The new behavioural approach unleashed the connection between these molecular markers and LTM formation. In the present study, to identify and validate the role of these molecular signatures in memory consolidation, infusion of the protein synthesis inhibitor anisomycin around the training session was done that causes deficit in the maintenance of LTM when tested at 24 h after weak encoding. Altogether, here we are providing a comprehensive set of evidences indicating that BDNF, TrKB, PKMzeta, CREB, dopamine, some enzymes and IEGs (c-fos) play an important role in modulating LTM employing behavioural tagging model. newline