Recovery of learning and memory is associated with chromatin remodelling

Andre Fischer (), Farahnaz Sananbenesi, Xinyu Wang, Matthew Dobbin and Li-Huei Tsai ()
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Andre Fischer: Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Farahnaz Sananbenesi: Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Xinyu Wang: Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Matthew Dobbin: Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Li-Huei Tsai: Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nature, 2007, vol. 447, issue 7141, 178-182

Abstract: Abstract Neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system are often associated with impaired learning and memory, eventually leading to dementia. An important aspect in pre-clinical research is the exploration of strategies to re-establish learning ability and access to long-term memories. By using a mouse model that allows temporally and spatially restricted induction of neuronal loss, we show here that environmental enrichment reinstated learning behaviour and re-established access to long-term memories after significant brain atrophy and neuronal loss had already occurred. Environmental enrichment correlated with chromatin modifications (increased histone-tail acetylation). Moreover, increased histone acetylation by inhibitors of histone deacetylases induced sprouting of dendrites, an increased number of synapses, and reinstated learning behaviour and access to long-term memories. These data suggest that inhibition of histone deacetylases might be a suitable therapeutic avenue for neurodegenerative diseases associated with learning and memory impairment, and raises the possibility of recovery of long-term memories in patients with dementia.

Date: 2007
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DOI: 10.1038/nature05772

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