Interplay between α2-chimaerin and Rac1 activity determines dynamic maintenance of long-term memory

Li Lv, Yunlong Liu, Jianxin Xie, Yan Wu, Jianjian Zhao, Qian Li and Yi Zhong ()
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Li Lv: Tsinghua University
Yunlong Liu: Tsinghua University
Jianxin Xie: Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Yan Wu: Tsinghua University
Jianjian Zhao: Tsinghua University
Qian Li: Tsinghua University
Yi Zhong: Tsinghua University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-12

Abstract: Abstract Memory consolidation theory suggests that once memory formation has been completed, memory is maintained at a stable strength and is incapable of further enhancement. However, the current study reveals that even long after formation, contextual fear memory could be further enhanced. Such unexpected enhancement is possible because memory is dynamically maintained at an intermediate level that allows for bidirectional regulation. Here we find that both Rac1 activation and expression of α2-chimaerin are stimulated by single-trial contextual fear conditioning. Such sustained Rac1 activity mediates reversible forgetting, and α2-chimaerin acts as a memory molecule that reverses forgetting to sustain memory through inhibition of Rac1 activity during the maintenance stage. Therefore, the balance between activated Rac1 and expressed α2-chimaerin defines dynamic long-term memory maintenance. Our findings demonstrate that consolidated memory maintains capacity for bidirectional regulation.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13236-9

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