Plastic genes are in!
Even though the synthesis of new proteins is thought to be essential for long-term changes in synaptic plasticity, as well as for long-term memory, little is known about the identity of the required proteins. The hunt for these molecules is under way, however, and in the past year several groups of researchers have entered this fascinating search by introducing new approaches that have lead to the identification of several potential candidates, amongst which are trophic factors, kinases, ion channels, and proteases. The results will have much to say not only about the nature of memory, but also about the mechanisms of learning.
Silva
A J
AJ
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York 11724.
Giese
K P
KP
D000818:Animals; D001048:Aplysia / Q000502:physiology; D017362:Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / Q000502:physiology; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000502:physiology; D051766:Early Growth Response Protein 1; D005796:Genes; D005880:Gills / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology; D008959:Models, Neurological; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000502:physiology
D017362:Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; C497325:EGR1 protein, human; D051766:Early Growth Response Protein 1; D017874:Immediate-Early Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors