title: Histone acetylation: molecular mnemonics on the chromatin.
abstract: Long-lasting memories require specific gene expression programmes that are, in part, orchestrated by epigenetic mechanisms. Of the epigenetic modifications identified in cognitive processes, histone acetylation has spurred considerable interest. Whereas increments in histone acetylation have consistently been shown to favour learning and memory, a lack thereof has been causally implicated in cognitive impairments in neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegeneration and ageing. As histone acetylation and cognitive functions can be pharmacologically restored by histone deacetylase inhibitors, this epigenetic modification might constitute a molecular memory aid on the chromatin and, by extension, a new template for therapeutic interventions against cognitive frailty.
authors: Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
authors: Johannes
authors: J
authors: Gräff
authors: Li-Huei
authors: LH
authors: Tsai
mesh_terms: D000107:Acetylation; D000375:Aging; D000818:Animals; D002843:Chromatin / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000201:enzymology / Q000235:genetics; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D056464:Histone Deacetylase 2 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006655:Histone Deacetylases / Q000502:physiology; D006657:Histones / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D002843:Chromatin; D056572:Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors; D006657:Histones; D056464:Histone Deacetylase 2; D006655:Histone Deacetylases