Abstract
Synaptic plasticity, the ability of neurons to alter the strength of their synaptic connections with activity and experience, is thought to play a critical role in memory storage. Molecular studies of gene expression during long-lasting synaptic plasticity related to memory storage initially focused on the identification of positive regulators. More recent work has revealed that the establishment of long-lasting synaptic plasticity and long-term memory also requires the removal of inhibitory constraints. By analogy to tumor suppressor genes, which restrain cell proliferation, we propose that these inhibitory constraints of memory storage, which restrain synapse growth, be termed memory suppressor genes.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Activating Transcription Factor 2
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Animals
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Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism
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Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology
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Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein / physiology
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Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism
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Genes*
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Memory / physiology*
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Nerve Tissue Proteins*
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Neuronal Plasticity / genetics*
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Repressor Proteins*
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Synapses / physiology*
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Transcription Factors / physiology
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Transcription, Genetic
Substances
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Activating Transcription Factor 2
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ApCREB2 protein, Aplysia californica
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Cell Adhesion Molecules
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Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein
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Nerve Tissue Proteins
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Repressor Proteins
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Transcription Factors
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Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases
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Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases