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Engineering a memory with LTD and LTP
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 05:53 authored by Nabavi, S, Fox, R, Prolux, CD, John LinJohn Lin, Tsien, RY, Malinow, RIt has been proposed that memories are encoded by modification of synaptic strengths through cellular mechanisms such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD). However, the causal link between these synaptic processes and memory has been difficult to demonstrate. Here we show that fear conditioning, a type of associative memory, can be inactivated and reactivated by LTD and LTP, respectively. We began by conditioning an animal to associate a foot shock with optogenetic stimulation of auditory inputs targeting the amygdala, a brain region known to be essential for fear conditioning. Subsequent optogenetic delivery of LTD conditioning to the auditory input inactivates memory of the shock. Then subsequent optogenetic delivery of LTP conditioning to the auditory input reactivates memory of the shock. Thus, we have engineered inactivation and reactivation of a memory using LTD and LTP, supporting a causal link between these synaptic processes and memory.
History
Publication title
NatureVolume
511Issue
7509Pagination
348-352ISSN
0028-0836Department/School
Tasmanian School of MedicinePublisher
Nature Publishing GroupPlace of publication
Macmillan Building, 4 Crinan St, London, England, N1 9XwRights statement
Copyright 2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reservedRepository Status
- Restricted