Cited by 991Memory and Neural MechanismsNeuroscience and Neuropharmacology ResearchNeurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms

Transcription Factors in Long-Term Memory and Synaptic Plasticity

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Alberini, Cristina M.·2009·Physiological Reviews

Abstract

Transcription is a molecular requisite for long-term synaptic plasticity and long-term memory formation. Thus, in the last several years, one main interest of molecular neuroscience has been the identification of families of transcription factors that are involved in both of these processes. Transcription is a highly regulated process that involves the combined interaction and function of chromatin and many other proteins, some of which are essential for the basal process of transcription, while others control the selective activation or repression of specific genes. These regulated interactions ultimately allow a sophisticated response to multiple environmental conditions, as well as control of spatial and temporal differences in gene expression. Evidence based on correlative changes in expression, genetic mutations, and targeted molecular inhibition of gene expression have shed light on the function of transcription in both synaptic plasticity and memory formation. This review provides a brief overview of experimental work showing that several families of transcription factors, including CREB, C/EBP, Egr, AP-1, and Rel, have essential functions in both processes. The results of this work suggest that patterns of transcription regulation represent the molecular signatures of long-term synaptic changes and memory formation.

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Crossref · 10.1152/physrev.00017.2008

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  • The model previously used to predict optimal, irregularly spaced protocols that would enhance LTF was extended to represent induction of c/ebp, a transcription factor known to be essential for LTF.

    “In this study, the model previously used85 to predict optimal, irregularly spaced protocols that would enhance LTF (FIG. 4a) was extended to represent induction of c/ebp, a transcription factor known to be essential for LTF96.”
  • LTF and LTP both rely on cooperative gene induction by pCREB and CBP.

    “and both rely on cooperative gene induction by pCREB and CBP53,96,99,100.”
  • Key molecular mechanisms of memory are substantially conserved from simple model organisms such as A. californica to mammals.

    “Although these empirical studies were conducted in A. californica, it should be noted that key molecular mechanisms of memory are substantially conserved from simple model organisms such as A. californica to mammals52,96.”

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Research works printed but not linked: 4

  1. [15]Alberts B Johnson A Lewis J Raff M Roberts K Walter P Chapter 7 Molecular Biology of the Cell 2002 New York Garland Science
  2. [72]Frey JU Richter D Long-lasting hippocampal plasticity: cellular model from memory consolidation? Cell polarity and subcellular RNA localization Results and problems in cell differentiation 2001 34 Berlin, Heidelberg Springer-Verlag 27 40 11288677
  3. [223]Squire LR Memory and brain 1987 New York Oxford
  4. [233]Thiel G Transcription factors in the nervous system 2006 Wiley-VCH

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Authors
Alberini, C. M.
Affiliations
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (US)
Corresponding author
Alberini, Cristina M.
Venue
Physiological Reviews
Published
2009-01
Volume
89
Issue
1
Pages
121-145
ISSN
  • 0031-9333 (ISSN-L)
  • 1522-1210
OpenAlex
W2172149172
Cited by
991
References
269
Citations by year
2026: 24 · 2025: 53 · 2024: 48 · 2023: 57 · 2022: 55 · 2021: 63 · 2020: 62 · 2019: 52 · 2018: 69 · 2017: 62 · 2016: 67 · 2015: 57 · 2014: 80 · 2013: 62 · 2012: 56
FWCI
4.48
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Physiological Reviews (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Europe PMC (PubMed Central) (acceptedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
National Institute of Mental Health (R01 MH65635, R01-MH-74736, R01MH074736, R01MH065635)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Memory and Neural Mechanisms
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience › Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Developmental Neuroscience › Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms
Keywords
transcription factors, long-term memory, synaptic plasticity, gene expression regulation, chromatin, CREB, C/EBP, Egr transcription factors, AP-1, Rel transcription factors, memory formation, synaptic changes
MeSH terms
Animals, Chromatin, Humans, Memory, Neuronal Plasticity, Synapses, Transcription Factors, Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein, CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins, Early Growth Response Transcription Factors

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