Memory suppressor genes: Modulating acquisition, consolidation, and forgetting

Neuron. 2021 Oct 20;109(20):3211-3227. doi: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.08.001. Epub 2021 Aug 26.

Abstract

The brain has a remarkable but underappreciated capacity to limit memory formation and expression. The term "memory suppressor gene" was coined in 1998 as an attempt to explain emerging reports that some genes appeared to limit memory. At that time, only a handful of memory suppressor genes were known, and they were understood to work by limiting cAMP-dependent consolidation. In the intervening decades, almost 100 memory suppressor genes with diverse functions have been discovered that affect not only consolidation but also acquisition and forgetting. Here we highlight the surprising extent to which biological limits are placed on memory formation through reviewing the literature on memory suppressor genes. In this review, we present memory suppressors within the framework of their actions on different memory operations: acquisition, consolidation, and forgetting. This is followed by a discussion of the reasons why there may be a biological need to limit memory formation.

Keywords: acquisition; behavioral flexibility; consolidation; forgetting; memory accuracy; memory enhancement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Activating Transcription Factor 4 / genetics
  • Animals
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / genetics
  • Brain / metabolism*
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / genetics
  • Drosophila Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Memory Consolidation / physiology*
  • Mental Recall / physiology
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / genetics
  • Receptors, GABA-A / genetics
  • Repressor Proteins / genetics
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / genetics

Substances

  • ApCREB2 protein, Aplysia californica
  • Atf4 protein, mouse
  • Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
  • Drosophila Proteins
  • MicroRNAs
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Rdl protein, Drosophila
  • Receptors, GABA-A
  • Repressor Proteins
  • Activating Transcription Factor 4