title: Molecular brake pad hypothesis: pulling off the brakes for emotional memory.
abstract: Under basal conditions histone deacetylases(HDACs) and their associated co-repressor complexes serve as molecular 'brake pads' to prevent the gene expression required for long-term memory formation. Following a learning event, HDACs and their co-repressor complexes are removed from a subset of specific gene promoters, allowing the histone acetylation and active gene expression required for long-term memory formation.Inhibition of HDACs increases histone acetylation,extends gene expression profiles, and allows for the formation of persistent long-term memories for training events that are otherwise forgotten. We propose that emotionally salient experiences have utilized this system to form strong and persistent memories for behaviorally significant events. Consequently, the presence or absence of HDACs at a selection of specific gene promoters could serve as a critical barrier for permitting the formation of long-term memories.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-3800, USA.
authors.forename: Annie
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Vogel-Ciernia
authors.forename: Marcelo A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Wood
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D056970:Co-Repressor Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology; D004644:Emotions / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D006655:Histone Deacetylases / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D056970:Co-Repressor Proteins; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D006655:Histone Deacetylases