Memory deficits affect a substantial portion of the population. Thus, a key goal of research on memory mechanisms is to develop strategies for improving long-term memory (LTM). Recently we developed a strategy for improving LTM, which relies on 'tuning'training protocols to match the dynamics of the underlying signaling pathways. Computational and empirical studies focused on the molecular pathways involved in long- term synaptic facilitation (LTF;a cellular correlate of LTM). A model of two signaling pathways that are critical for LTF (the cAMP/PKA and Raf/MEK/ERK pathways) was developed. Using simulations, a novel training protocol (the 'Enhanced'protocol) was tuned to match the dynamics of these two pathways and improve the simulated LTF. Empirical studies revealed that the Enhanced protocol indeed increased LTF in sensorimotor cultures, increased phosphorylation of CREB1 (a transcription factor that is critical for LTM formation), and improved LTM following behavioral training. The goals of the current proposal are to investigate the ways in which the Enhanced protocol affects downstream components of the molecular network underlying LTF and to apply this new strategy to restoring memory deficits (via novel training protocols and/or pharmacological interventions) that are induced by molecular lesions.
The Specific Aims are: 1) Quantify activation of the cAMP/PKA and Raf/MEK/ERK pathways and the transcription factors CREB1, CREB2, and C/EBP in response to the Enhanced protocol. More detailed information about the dynamics of these pathways and their responses to training can further improve the predictive power of the computational model, and with an improved model, more complex features of LTM can be studied (see Aim 3). 2) Examine whether computationally designed pharmacological manipulations of the PKA and ERK pathways can increase LTF and long-term excitability (LTE, another cellular correlate of LTM). In principle, memory can be improved by administering drugs alone. However, drugs often have unacceptable side effects.
Aim 2 will examine whether combinations of lower, less toxic doses of drugs can improve memory. 3) Determine whether computationally predicted training protocols and pharmacological regimens can restore impaired LTF and LTE. Memory impairment is often the result of mutations/deletions in genes controlling signaling pathways involved in LTM. Using RNAi technology, Aim 3 will examine whether memory impairment induced by molecular lesions can be overcome by computer-designed training protocols and/or pharmacological interventions. Although these studies will utilize a simple model system and the molecular defects will be acute rather than congenital, the results will provide important insights into the interactions among training protocols, pharmacological treatments and molecular defects. The success of these studies will help the development of a new paradigm for cognitive enhancement that can have broad generality, including improving human health.

Public Health Relevance

This research project will lay the groundwork for a new paradigm for cognitive enhancement that can be applied broadly. The project will combine computational simulations and experimentation in a simple model system to examine the molecular underpinnings of memory and memory impairment, with the prospect of enhancing and restoring memory by combining novel training protocols and pharmacological interventions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01NS019895-31
Application #
8584327
Study Section
Neurobiology of Learning and Memory Study Section (LAM)
Program Officer
Chen, Daofen
Project Start
1983-04-01
Project End
2018-01-31
Budget Start
2014-02-01
Budget End
2015-01-31
Support Year
31
Fiscal Year
2014
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Texas Health Science Center Houston
Department
Neurosciences
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
City
Houston
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
77225
Liu, Rong-Yu; Neveu, Curtis; Smolen, Paul et al. (2017) Superior long-term synaptic memory induced by combining dual pharmacological activation of PKA and ERK with an enhanced training protocol. Learn Mem 24:289-297
Smolen, Paul; Zhang, Yili; Byrne, John H (2016) The right time to learn: mechanisms and optimization of spaced learning. Nat Rev Neurosci 17:77-88
Byrne, John H; Hawkins, Robert D (2015) Nonassociative learning in invertebrates. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 7:
Zhou, Lian; Zhang, Yili; Liu, Rong-Yu et al. (2015) Rescue of impaired long-term facilitation at sensorimotor synapses of Aplysia following siRNA knockdown of CREB1. J Neurosci 35:1617-26
Hawkins, Robert D; Byrne, John H (2015) Associative learning in invertebrates. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 7:
Zhou, Lian; Baxter, Douglas A; Byrne, John H (2014) Contribution of PKC to the maintenance of 5-HT-induced short-term facilitation at sensorimotor synapses of Aplysia. J Neurophysiol 112:1936-49
Liu, Rong-Yu; Zhang, Yili; Coughlin, Brittany L et al. (2014) Doxorubicin attenuates serotonin-induced long-term synaptic facilitation by phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase. J Neurosci 34:13289-300
Liu, Rong-Yu; Zhang, Yili; Baxter, Douglas A et al. (2013) Deficit in long-term synaptic plasticity is rescued by a computationally predicted stimulus protocol. J Neurosci 33:6944-9
Zhang, Yili; Liu, Rong-Yu; Heberton, George A et al. (2012) Computational design of enhanced learning protocols. Nat Neurosci 15:294-7
Liu, Rong-Yu; Shah, Shreyansh; Cleary, Leonard J et al. (2011) Serotonin- and training-induced dynamic regulation of CREB2 in Aplysia. Learn Mem 18:245-9

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