The MAP(K) of fear: from memory consolidation to memory extinction

Abstract

The highly conserved mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) signaling cascade is involved in several intracellular processes ranging from cell differentiation to proliferation, as well as in synaptic plasticity. In the last two decades, the role of MAPK/ERK in long-term memory formation in mammals, particularly in fear-related memories, has been extensively investigated. In this review we describe knowledge advancement on the role of MAPK/ERK in orchestrating the intracellular processes that lead to the consolidation, reconsolidation and extinction of fear memories. In doing so, we report studies in which the specific role of MAP/ERK in switching from memory formation to memory erasure has been suggested. The possibility to target MAPK/ERK in developing and/or refining pharmacological approaches to treat psychiatric disorders in which fear regulation is defective has also been envisaged.

Keywords: Consolidation; ERK/MAPK; Extinction; Fear memories; Reconsolidation.