Long term memory (LTM) formation is a complex process involving signalling cascades, new protein synthesis and gene regulation. Increasing evidence demonstrates a role of intrinsic plasticity in memory formation, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain relatively unknown. LTM was established using an aversive operant conditioning model in Lymnaea stagnalis. Using intracellular electrophysiology in an isolated preparation, increased gain of firing frequency was observed in the RPeD1 neuron after LTM. This provides the first demonstration of intrinsic plasticity after operant conditioning in RPeD1, a neuron required for the conditioned behaviour and LTM. I also determined the contribution of the transcription factor men1 to plasticity. Using in vivo RNAi silencing, I found that men1 is required for LTM and increasing RPeD1 excitability during consolidation, demonstrating men1-mediated intrinsic plasticity is critical for LTM. I propose a new model of memory formation in which men1-dependent increase of excitability during consolidation is required for LTM.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:OTU.1807/31309 |
| Date | 14 December 2011 |
| Creators | Li, Kathy |
| Contributors | Feng, Zhong-Ping |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | en_ca |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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