DNA methylation impacts on learning and memory in aging

NEUROBIOLOGY OF AGING

卷:30

Review

Liu, Liang^1,2  van Groen, Thomas³  Kadish, Inga³  Tollefsbol, Trygve O.^1,2,4 

[1] Univ Alabama Birmingham, Dept Biol, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA

[2] Univ Alabama Birmingham, Ctr Aging, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA

[3] Univ Alabama Birmingham, Dept Cell Biol, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA

[4] Univ Alabama Birmingham, Ctr Comprehens Canc, Birmingham, AL 35294 USA

关键词: DNA methylation;    Epigenetics;    Cognition;    Nutrition;    Neurodegenerative disease;    Aging;   

DOI  :  10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2007.07.020

来源: Elsevier

【 摘 要 】

Learning and memory are two of the fundamental cognitive function,; that confer LIS the ability to accumulate knowledge from our experiences. Although we use these two mental skills continuously, understanding the Molecular basis of learning and memory is very challenging. Methylation modification of DNA is an epigenetic mechanism that plays important roles in regulating gene expression, which is one of the key processes underlying the functions of cells including neurons. Interestingly, a genome-wide decline in DNA methylation occurs in the brain during normal aging, which coincides with a functional decline in learning and memory with age. It has been speculated that DNA methylation in neurons might fie involved in memory coding. However, direct evidence supporting the role of DNA methylation in memory formation is still under investigation. This particular function of DNA methylation has not drawn wide attention despite several important studies that have provided Supportive evidence for the epigenetic control of memory formation. To facilitate further exploration of the epigenetic basis of memory function, we will review existing studies on DNA methylation that are related to the development and function of the nervous system. We will focus on studies illustrating how DNA methylation regulates neural activities and memory formation via the control of gene expression in neurons, and relate these studies to various age-related neurological disorders that affect cognitive functions. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

【 授权许可】

Free