Object-place recognition learning triggers rapid induction of plasticity-related immediate early genes and synaptic proteins in the rat dentate gyrus.
Long-term recognition memory requires protein synthesis, but little is known about the coordinate regulation of specific genes. Here, we examined expression of the plasticity-associated immediate early genes (Arc, Zif268, and Narp) in the dentate gyrus following long-term object-place recognition learning in rats. RT-PCR analysis from dentate gyrus tissue collected shortly after training did not reveal learning-specific changes in Arc mRNA expression. In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were therefore used to assess possible sparse effects on gene expression. Learning about objects increased the density of granule cells expressing Arc, and to a lesser extent Narp, specifically in the dorsal blade of the dentate gyrus, while Zif268 expression was elevated across both blades. Thus, object-place recognition triggers rapid, blade-specific upregulation of plasticity-associated immediate early genes. Furthermore, Western blot analysis of dentate gyrus homogenates demonstrated concomitant upregulation of three postsynaptic density proteins (Arc, PSD-95, and alpha-CaMKII) with key roles in long-term synaptic plasticity and long-term memory.
Soulé
Jonathan
J
Department of Biomedicine and Bergen Mental Health Research Center, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
Penke
Zsuzsa
Z
Kanhema
Tambudzai
T
Alme
Maria Nordheim
MN
Laroche
Serge
S
Bramham
Clive R
CR
D000818:Animals; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D054732:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 / Q000378:metabolism; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D018891:Dentate Gyrus / Q000378:metabolism*; D000076122:Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein; D051766:Early Growth Response Protein 1 / Q000378:metabolism; D004777:Environment; D005106:Exploratory Behavior; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D017781:Genes, Immediate-Early; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000235:genetics*; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D021641:Recognition, Psychology / Q000502:physiology*; D000099153:Pentraxins
D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D054732:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D000076122:Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein; D051766:Early Growth Response Protein 1; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D000099153:Pentraxins; C501449:Dlg4 protein, rat; C486110:Egr1 protein, rat; C092069:activity regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein