Epigenetic Regulation of bdnf Gene Transcription in the Consolidation of Fear Memory
Civitan International · University of Alabama at Birmingham
Abstract
Long-term memory formation requires selective changes in gene expression. Here, we determined the contribution of chromatin remodeling to learning-induced changes in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (bdnf) gene expression in the adult hippocampus. Contextual fear learning induced differential regulation of exon-specific bdnf mRNAs (I, IV, VI, IX) that was associated with changes in bdnf DNA methylation and altered local chromatin structure. Infusions of zebularine (a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor) significantly altered bdnf DNA methylation and triggered changes in exon-specific bdnf mRNA levels, indicating that altered DNA methylation is sufficient to drive differential bdnf transcript regulation in the…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 16.74
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 58
Authors
3Topics & keywords
- DNA methylation
- Epigenetics
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- Tropomyosin receptor kinase B
- Memory consolidation
- Hippocampus
- Chromatin remodeling
- Biology
Funding
- BRBrain Research Foundation
- EFEpilepsy Foundation
- MFMcKnight Foundation
- EFEvelyn F. McKnight Brain Research Foundation
- NANational Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression
- CFCoins for Alzheimer's Research Trust
- ARAlzheimer's Research Trust
- NINational Institutes of HealthAwards: MH082106, NS048811, MH57014, NS37444