Temporal course of gene expression during motor memory formation in primary motor cortex of rats.
Motor learning is associated with plastic reorganization of neural networks in primary motor cortex (M1) that depends on changes in gene expression. Here, we investigate the temporal profile of these changes during motor memory formation in response to a skilled reaching task in rats. mRNA-levels were measured 1h, 7h and 24h after the end of a training session using microarray technique. To assure learning specificity, trained animals were compared to a control group. In response to motor learning, genes are sequentially regulated with high time-point specificity and a shift from initial suppression to later activation. The majority of regulated genes can be linked to learning-related plasticity. In the gene-expression cascade following motor learning, three different steps can be defined: (1) an initial suppression of genes influencing gene transcription. (2) Expression of genes that support translation of mRNA in defined compartments. (3) Expression of genes that immediately mediates plastic changes. Gene expression peaks after 24h - this is a much slower time-course when compared to hippocampus-dependent learning, where peaks of gene-expression can be observed 6-12h after training ended.
Division of Vascular Neurology and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland.
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Hertler
Division of Vascular Neurology and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurosurgery, Neurocritical Care, University of California Los Angeles, 757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Buitrago
Division of Vascular Neurology and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; cereneo, Center for Neurology and Rehabilitation, Vitznau, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, 1550 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA. Electronic address: andreas.luft@uzh.ch.
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Luft
Division of Vascular Neurology and Rehabilitation, Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Zurich, Frauenklinikstrasse 26, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 64, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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Hosp
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology*; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D007858:Learning / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D009044:Motor Cortex / Q000378:metabolism*; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D051381:Rats; D020318:Rats, Long-Evans; D013997:Time Factors
D012333:RNA, Messenger
Gene expression; Motor cortex; Motor skill learning; Neuronal plasticity; Rat; cDNA microarray