title: Epigenetic mechanisms in the development of memory and their involvement in certain neurological diseases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Today, scientists accept that the central nervous system of an adult possesses considerable morphological and functional flexibility, allowing it to perform structural remodelling processes even after the individual is fully developed and mature. In addition to the vast number of genes participating in the development of memory, different known epigenetic mechanisms are involved in normal and pathological modifications to neurons and therefore also affect the mechanisms of memory development.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study entailed a systematic review of biomedical article databases in search of genetic and epigenetic factors that participate in synaptic function and memory.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The activation of gene expression in response to external stimuli also occurs in differentiated nerve cells. Neural activity induces specific forms of synaptic plasticity that permit the creation and storage of long-term memory. Epigenetic mechanisms play a key role in synaptic modification processes and in the creation and development of memory. Changes in these mechanisms result in the cognitive and memory impairment seen in neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer disease, Huntington disease) and in neurodevelopmental disorders (Rett syndrome, fragile X, and schizophrenia). Nevertheless, results obtained from different models are promising and point to potential treatments for some of these diseases.
authors.affiliation: División de Medicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, IMSS, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rosales-Reynoso
authors.affiliation: División de Genética, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, IMSS , Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Ochoa-Hernández
authors.affiliation: División de Medicina Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, IMSS, Guadalajara, Jalisco, México.
authors.forename: C I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Juárez-Vázquez
authors.affiliation: División de Genética, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, IMSS , Guadalajara, Jalisco, México. Electronic address: pbarros_gdl@yahoo.com.mx.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Barros-Núñez
mesh_terms: D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000235:genetics; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000235:genetics*; D065886:Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000235:genetics; D009474:Neurons
keywords: Desarrollo de la memoria; Epigenetics; Epigenética; Genes and memory; Genes y memoria; Memoria; Memory; Memory development; Modificación sináptica y memoria; Neural plasticity; Plasticidad neuronal; Synaptic modification and memory