| First Author | Fischer A | Year | 2007 |
| Journal | Nature | Volume | 447 |
| Issue | 7141 | Pages | 178-82 |
| PubMed ID | 17468743 | Mgi Jnum | J:120919 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:3708259 | Doi | 10.1038/nature05772 |
| Citation | Fischer A, et al. (2007) Recovery of learning and memory is associated with chromatin remodelling. Nature 447(7141):178-182 |
| abstractText | 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. |
