C/EBP is an immediate-early gene required for the consolidation of long-term facilitation in Aplysia

Cristina M. Alberini, Mirella Ghirardl, Richard Metz, Eric R. Kandel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The consolidation of long-term memory requires protein and mRNA synthesis. A similar requirement has been demonstrated for learning-related synaptic plasticity in the gill-withdrawal reflex of Aplysia. The monosynaptic component of this reflex can be reconstituted in vitro, where it undergoes both short- and long-term increases in synaptic strength in response to serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter released during behavioral sensitization, a simple form of learning. As with sensitization, the long-term synaptic modification is characterized by a brief consolidation period during which gene expression is required. We find that during this phase, the transcription factor Aplysia CCAAT enhancer-binding protein (ApC/EBP) is induced rapidly by 5-HT and by cAMP, even in the presence of protein synthesis inhibitors. Blocking the function of ApC/EBP blocks long-term facilitation selectively without affecting the short-term process. These data indicate that cAMP-inducible immediate-early genes have an essential role in the consolidation of stable long-term synaptic plasticity in Aplysia.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1099-1114
Number of pages16
JournalCell
Volume76
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 25 1994

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'C/EBP is an immediate-early gene required for the consolidation of long-term facilitation in Aplysia'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this