title: Mechanisms of age-related cognitive change and targets for intervention: epigenetics.
abstract: Epigenetic regulation of gene expression plays an important role in learning and memory, mediating the influence of experience on critical mechanisms of plasticity. Speakers in the opening session of the Summit reviewed research on epigenetic contributions to age-related cognitive decline and discussed strategies for the development of interventions targeting epigenetic mechanisms. The presentations focused on experience-dependent DNA methylation, the regulatory role of microRNAs, histone deacetylases as potential therapeutic targets, and strategies for exploring epigenetic contributions to the aging of brain and cognition. This session established useful mileposts for gaging progress in this rapidly advancing area of research.
authors.affiliation: Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA.
authors.forename: Kenneth S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Kosik
authors.forename: Peter R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Rapp
authors.forename: Naftali
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Raz
authors.forename: Scott A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Small
authors.forename: J David
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Sweatt
authors.forename: Li-Huei
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Tsai
mesh_terms: D000107:Acetylation; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D000818:Animals; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics; D019175:DNA Methylation; D018891:Dentate Gyrus / Q000502:physiology; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D056464:Histone Deacetylase 2 / Q000502:physiology; D006657:Histones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000502:physiology; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D006657:Histones; D035683:MicroRNAs; D056464:Histone Deacetylase 2