title: Role of DNA methylation and the DNA methyltransferases in learning and memory.
abstract: Dynamic regulation of chromatin structure in postmitotic neurons plays an important role in learning and memory. Methylation of cytosine nucleotides has historically been considered the strongest and least modifiable of epigenetic marks. Accumulating recent data suggest that rapid and dynamic methylation and demethylation of specific genes in the brain may play a fundamental role in learning, memory formation, and behavioral plasticity. The current review focuses on the emergence of data that support the role of DNA methylation and demethylation, and its molecular mediators in memory formation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Monteggia
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019175:DNA Methylation / Q000502:physiology*; D057890:Epigenomics; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008780:Methyltransferases / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D008780:Methyltransferases
keywords: behavior; epigenetics; learning; synaptic plasticity