Long-term memory of aversive operant conditioning requires new synapse formation and a putative cation channel
Year: 2008
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Formation of long-term memory (LTM) is a complicated process involving various molecular signaling pathways, new protein production and increased gene regulation. Recent evidence is beginning to show synaptogenesis may also be involved in this process however; the underlying molecular components remain unknown. Following aversive operant conditioning of aerial respiration in Lymnaea stagnalis, LTM was established. Utilizing various techniques to disrupt molecules in vivo previously shown to be necessary for synaptogenesis, I found that interference of synaptotagmin I C2A, and dsRNA knockdown of men1 mRNA prevented LTM formation, suggesting a requirement of new synapse formation in LTM consolidation. I also addressed the role of a novel nonselective cation channel, NALCN, previously shown to propagate depolarization signals to the synapse, and found that dsRNA knockdown of NALCN expression resulted in snails with LTM defects. Taken together, this work provides evidence that LTM formation requires synapse formation and NALCN expression.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Senzel, Anthony George
Institutions: Library and Archives Canada, University of Toronto
Language: English
Topic: Memory and Neural Mechanisms
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7133071664