Neuronal ensemble-specific DNA methylation strengthens engram stability

Kubra Gulmez Karaca, Janina Kupke, David V. C. Brito, Benjamin Zeuch, Christian Thome, Dieter Weichenhan, Pavlo Lutsik, Christoph Plass and Ana M. M. Oliveira ()
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Kubra Gulmez Karaca: Heidelberg University
Janina Kupke: Heidelberg University
David V. C. Brito: Heidelberg University
Benjamin Zeuch: Heidelberg University
Christian Thome: Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Heidelberg University
Dieter Weichenhan: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Pavlo Lutsik: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Christoph Plass: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)
Ana M. M. Oliveira: Heidelberg University

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Memories are encoded by memory traces or engrams, represented within subsets of neurons that are synchronously activated during learning. However, the molecular mechanisms that drive engram stabilization during consolidation and consequently ensure its reactivation by memory recall are not fully understood. In this study we manipulate, during memory consolidation, the levels of the de novo DNA methyltransferase 3a2 (Dnmt3a2) selectively within dentate gyrus neurons activated by fear conditioning. We found that Dnmt3a2 upregulation enhances memory performance in mice and improves the fidelity of reconstitution of the original neuronal ensemble upon memory retrieval. Moreover, similar manipulation in a sparse, non-engram subset of neurons does not bias engram allocation or modulate memory strength. We further show that neuronal Dnmt3a2 overexpression changes the DNA methylation profile of synaptic plasticity-related genes. Our data implicates DNA methylation selectively within neuronal ensembles as a mechanism of stabilizing engrams during consolidation that supports successful memory retrieval.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-14498-4

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