NF-êB Activation. A Key Molecular Mechanism for Long-Term Memory Consolidation and Reconsolidation

MERLO, E.; FREUDENTHAL, R. & ROMANO, A.

Magdalen College, Oxford, UK.

Conferencia; GORDON RESEARCH CONFERENCE, Neuroethology: Behavior, Evolution & Neurobiology; 2005

GORDON RESEARCH CONFERENCE

NF-êB Activation. A Key Molecular Mechanism for Long-Term Memory Consolidation and Reconsolidation.   Merlo, E.; Freudenthal, R. & Romano, A.   Laboratorio de Neurobiología de la Memoria, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires. IFIByNE, CONICET. Ciudad Universitaria, Pab. II, 2do piso (1428EHA). Buenos Aires, Argentina.   The transition from a Short-Term to a Long-Term form of memory requires a phase of consolidation. In this process either mRNA and protein synthesis are necessary. These features were proved to be general phenomenon in Long-Term Memory (LTM) consolidation from vertebrates to invertebrates. Interestingly, in recent studies it has been proposed that after LTM reactivation, a new consolidation phase, called reconsolidation, is needed for memory maintenance. As in consolidation, the reconsolidation depends on transcription and translation, but if the molecular mechanisms involved are the same or different remains unclear. The data obtained so far has shown differences and similarities in the pathways required in both processes. In the context-signal memory (CSM) paradigm in the crab Chasmagnathus we found evidence for Rel/NF-kB constitutive TF participation in LTM consolidation. A high correlation between NF-kB activation and training conditions required to induce CSM was found. An inhibitor of NF-kB pathway induced amnesia only during the periods in which NF-kB activity is rising, suggesting that the TF activity is required during memory consolidation.  Even more, we found NF-kB activation after memory recall. This new activation period has been shown to be necessary for memory reconsolidation. This body of evidence strongly supports a key role of NF-kB in LTM storage and maintenance, suggesting that this molecular pathway constitutes a core mechanism in both processes.