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Interplay between α2-chimaerin and Rac1 activity determines dynamic maintenance of long-term memory

Author

Listed:
  • Li Lv

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Yunlong Liu

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Jianxin Xie

    (Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yan Wu

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Jianjian Zhao

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Qian Li

    (Tsinghua University)

  • Yi Zhong

    (Tsinghua University)

Abstract

Memory consolidation theory suggests that once memory formation has been completed, memory is maintained at a stable strength and is incapable of further enhancement. However, the current study reveals that even long after formation, contextual fear memory could be further enhanced. Such unexpected enhancement is possible because memory is dynamically maintained at an intermediate level that allows for bidirectional regulation. Here we find that both Rac1 activation and expression of α2-chimaerin are stimulated by single-trial contextual fear conditioning. Such sustained Rac1 activity mediates reversible forgetting, and α2-chimaerin acts as a memory molecule that reverses forgetting to sustain memory through inhibition of Rac1 activity during the maintenance stage. Therefore, the balance between activated Rac1 and expressed α2-chimaerin defines dynamic long-term memory maintenance. Our findings demonstrate that consolidated memory maintains capacity for bidirectional regulation.

Suggested Citation

  • Li Lv & Yunlong Liu & Jianxin Xie & Yan Wu & Jianjian Zhao & Qian Li & Yi Zhong, 2019. "Interplay between α2-chimaerin and Rac1 activity determines dynamic maintenance of long-term memory," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-13236-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13236-9
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