Learning and memory consolidation: linking molecular and behavioral data

• Published in: Neuroscience Vol. 176; pp. 12 - 19
• Main Author: Morgado-Bernal, I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 10.03.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: actin; Animals; BDNF; Biological and medical sciences; Brain - physiology; CaMKs; dendritic spines; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; kalirin-7; Learning - physiology; Memory - physiology; Neurology; PP1; Signal Transduction - physiology; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; brain derived neurotrophic factor; extracellular signal-regulated kinase; GluR; LTM; BDNF; N-methyl- d-aspartate; GEF; LTP; CaMKs; NMDA receptors; dendritic spines; long-term memory; PP1; actin; CREB; NMDA; NMDAr; kalirin-7; guanine-nucleotide-exchange factor; cAMP response element binding protein; ERK; glutamate receptors; long-term potentiation; calmodulin-dependent protein kinase; Enzyme; Transferases; Memory; Learning; Acquisition process; Actin; Dendritic spine; Behavior; Brain derived neurotrophic factor; Ca
• ISSN: 0306-4522; 1873-7544
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2010.12.056

Abstract This paper puts together and links some classic and recent molecular data and hypothesis from different authors and laboratories related to learning and memory consolidation. Mainly addressed to non-specialists, it describes how the glutamatergic activation of plastic synapses in the hippocampus can give rise to new or enlarged dendritic spines which may constitute the main structural basis of some kind of memories. To establish learning and memory, the nervous system can use part of the same mechanisms which make the basic structure of neurons during the ontogenetic development of the brain. Through different families of kinases, phosphatases and other proteins, the activated N-methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA) receptors and different intracellular signals originated in the post-synaptic membranes can promote the synthesis of new proteins and the dynamic of actin. The consecutive morphological changes in the cytoskeleton of the neuron, later stabilized by new receptors inserted in the post-synaptic membranes, make possible memory consolidation. Short and long-term, as well as persistence, of memory mechanisms are related to these molecular processes. Recent research on system consolidation and memory allocation in neural circuits is also explained.