Kdm4a is an activity downregulated barrier to generate engrams for memory separation

Xiuxian Guo, Pengfei Hong, Songhai Xiong, Yuze Yan, Hong Xie () and Ji-Song Guan ()
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Xiuxian Guo: ShanghaiTech University
Pengfei Hong: ShanghaiTech University
Songhai Xiong: ShanghaiTech University
Yuze Yan: ShanghaiTech University
Hong Xie: University of Shanghai for Science and Technology
Ji-Song Guan: ShanghaiTech University

Nature Communications, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, 1-19

Abstract: Abstract Memory engrams are a subset of learning activated neurons critical for memory recall, consolidation, extinction and separation. While the transcriptional profile of engrams after learning suggests profound neural changes underlying plasticity and memory formation, little is known about how memory engrams are selected and allocated. As epigenetic factors suppress memory formation, we developed a CRISPR screening in the hippocampus to search for factors controlling engram formation. We identified histone lysine-specific demethylase 4a (Kdm4a) as a negative regulator for engram formation. Kdm4a is downregulated after neural activation and controls the volume of mossy fiber boutons. Mechanistically, Kdm4a anchors to the exonic region of Trpm7 gene loci, causing the stalling of nascent RNAs and allowing burst transcription of Trpm7 upon the dismissal of Kdm4a. Furthermore, the YTH domain containing protein 2 (Ythdc2) recruits Kdm4a to the Trpm7 gene and stabilizes nascent RNAs. Reducing the expression of Kdm4a in the hippocampus via genetic manipulation or artificial neural activation facilitated the ability of pattern separation in rodents. Our work indicates that Kdm4a is a negative regulator of engram formation and suggests a priming state to generate a separate memory.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50218-y

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