Arc/Arg3.1 is essential for the consolidation of synaptic plasticity and memories

Neuron. 2006 Nov 9;52(3):437-44. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2006.08.024.

Abstract

Arc/Arg3.1 is robustly induced by plasticity-producing stimulation and specifically targeted to stimulated synaptic areas. To investigate the role of Arc/Arg3.1 in synaptic plasticity and learning and memory, we generated Arc/Arg3.1 knockout mice. These animals fail to form long-lasting memories for implicit and explicit learning tasks, despite intact short-term memory. Moreover, they exhibit a biphasic alteration of hippocampal long-term potentiation in the dentate gyrus and area CA1 with an enhanced early and absent late phase. In addition, long-term depression is significantly impaired. Together, these results demonstrate a critical role for Arc/Arg3.1 in the consolidation of enduring synaptic plasticity and memory storage.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Analysis of Variance
  • Animals
  • Avoidance Learning / physiology
  • Behavior, Animal
  • Blotting, Southern / methods
  • Blotting, Western / methods
  • Conditioning, Classical / physiology
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / deficiency
  • Cytoskeletal Proteins / physiology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Electric Stimulation / methods
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / genetics
  • Excitatory Postsynaptic Potentials / physiology
  • Hippocampus / cytology
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Kainic Acid
  • Male
  • Maze Learning / physiology
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / deficiency
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / physiology*
  • Neuronal Plasticity / genetics
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Neurons / physiology
  • Patch-Clamp Techniques / methods
  • Seizures / chemically induced
  • Seizures / metabolism
  • Spatial Behavior / physiology
  • Synapses / genetics
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Cytoskeletal Proteins
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • activity regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein
  • Kainic Acid