Epigenetic Regulation of Memory-Therapeutic Potential for Disorders

Abstract

Background: Memory is a vital function which declines in different physiological and pathological conditions such as aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Research in the past has reported that memory formation and consolidation require the precise expression of synaptic plasticity genes. However, little is known about the regulation of these genes. Epigenetic modification is now a well established mechanism that regulates synaptic plasticity genes and neuronal functions including memory. Therefore, we have reviewed the epigenetic regulation of memory and its therapeutic potential for memory dysfunction during aging and neurological disorders.Method: Research reports and online contents relevant to epigenetic regulation of memory during physiological and pathological conditions have been compiled and discussed.Results: Epigenetic modifications include mainly DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, histone acetylation and methylation which involve chromatin modifying enzymes. These epigenetic marks change during memory formation and impairment due to dementia, aging and neuro-degeneration. As the epigenetic modifications are reversible, they can be modulated by enzyme inhibitors leading to the recovery of memory.Conclusion: Epigenetic modifications could be exploited as a potential therapeutic target to recover memory disorders during aging and pathological conditions.

Transcriptional co‐repressor SIN3A silencing rescues decline in memory consolidation during scopolamine‐induced amnesia

“…; Singh et al . , ; Singh and Thakur ; Srivas and Thakur ). We also noted decrease in acetylation of H3K9 and H3K14 during scopolamine‐induced amnesia (Srivas and Thakur ).…”

Non-genetic Transgenerational Inheritance of Acquired Traits in Drosophila

“…Many behavioral traits, including cognitive functions, may be transgenerationally affected by experiences and environmental factors in mammals, most likely through epigenetic mechanisms [92]. Memory is an essential cognitive function which declines during aging and is impaired in most neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease; it is subjected to various epigenetic regulations, providing novel therapeutic avenues to combat cognitive disorders [12,93]. Therefore, studying TEI of memory is of immense importance to our understanding of mental health and diseases.…”

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“…Neuropathological alterations responsible for disturbing the neural network connecting diverse parts of the brain may be the main reason for memory dysfunction. Pathophysiological changes in various neurological diseases like epilepsy, Parkinson's, stroke, etc., are also associated with memory-related issues leading to mental retardness [5][6] . The loss of memory is commonly observed in the elderly aged population claiming the association of loss of memory with aging 7 .…”