title: A role for Tac2, NkB, and Nk3 receptor in normal and dysregulated fear memory consolidation.
abstract: The centromedial amygdala (CeM), a subdivision of the central amygdala (CeA), is believed to be the main output station of the amygdala for fear expression. We provide evidence that the Tac2 gene, expressed by neurons specifically within the CeM, is required for modulating fear memories. Tac2 is colocalized with GAD65 and CaMKIIα but not with PKCd and Enk neurons in the CeM. Moreover, the Tac2 product, NkB, and its specific receptor, Nk3R, are also involved in the consolidation of fear memories. Increased Tac2 expression, through a stress-induced PTSD-like model, or following lentiviral CeA overexpression, are sufficient to enhance fear consolidation. This effect is blocked by the Nk3R antagonist osanetant. Concordantly, silencing of Tac2-expressing neurons in CeA with DREADDs impairs fear consolidation. Together, these studies further our understanding of the role of the Tac2 gene and CeM in fear processing and may provide approaches to intervention for fear-related disorders.
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA. Electronic address: raul.andero.gali@gmail.com.
authors: Raül
authors: R
authors: Andero
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
authors: Brian G
authors: BG
authors: Dias
authors: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
authors: Kerry J
authors: KJ
authors: Ressler
mesh_terms: D000679:Amygdala / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D003214:Conditioning, Classical / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D005239:Fear / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D015287:Neurokinin B / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D010880:Piperidines / Q000494:pharmacology; D011498:Protein Precursors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D018042:Receptors, Neurokinin-3 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D015320:Tachykinins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D010880:Piperidines; D011498:Protein Precursors; D018042:Receptors, Neurokinin-3; D015320:Tachykinins; C044206:preprotachykinin; D015287:Neurokinin B; C091554:SR 142801