title: Neural Plasticity and Memory: Is Memory Encoded in Hydrogen Bonding Patterns?
abstract: Current models of memory storage recognize posttranslational modification vital for short-term and mRNA translation for long-lasting information storage. However, at the molecular level things are quite vague. A comprehensive review of the molecular basis of short and long-lasting synaptic plasticity literature leads us to propose that the hydrogen bonding pattern at the molecular level may be a permissive, vital step of memory storage. Therefore, we propose that the pattern of hydrogen bonding network of biomolecules (glycoproteins and/or DNA template, for instance) at the synapse is the critical edifying mechanism essential for short- and long-term memories. A novel aspect of this model is that nonrandom impulsive (or unplanned) synaptic activity functions as a synchronized positive-feedback rehearsal mechanism by revising the configurations of the hydrogen bonding network by tweaking the earlier tailored hydrogen bonds. This process may also maintain the elasticity of the related synapses involved in memory storage, a characteristic needed for such networks to alter intricacy and revise endlessly. The primary purpose of this review is to stimulate the efforts to elaborate the mechanism of neuronal connectivity both at molecular and chemical levels.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan zamtul@uwo.ca.
authors.forename: Zareen
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Amtul
authors.affiliation: H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Atta-Ur
authors.initials: AU
authors.lastname: Rahman
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*
keywords: glycoprotein; hydrogen bond; long-term potentiation; memory encoding; synaptic plasticity