Synaptic Plasticity and Memory

The conversion of short-term to long-term memory requires gene expression and protein synthesis, yet it is not understood how nuclear events can control plasticity of specific synapses. We are studying how signals from action potentials and synapses reach the nucleus to regulate gene expression necessary for conversion of early-LTP to late-LTP. This is being studied in hippocampal slices, a cellular model of short-term and long-term memory. Our work shows the importance of temporal and spatial segregation of intracellular signaling pathways, involving calcium, CREB, MAPK, and immediate early genes in activating gene transcription associated with long-term chantes in synaptic strength.