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The role of protein synthesis in memory consolidation: progress amid decades of debate
Journal article   Peer reviewed

The role of protein synthesis in memory consolidation: progress amid decades of debate

Pepe J Hernandez and Ted Abel
Neurobiology of learning and memory, Vol.89(3), pp.293-311
03/2008
DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2007.09.010
PMCID: PMC2745628
PMID: 18053752
url
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/2745628View
Open Access

Abstract

A major component of consolidation theory holds that protein synthesis is required to produce the synaptic modification needed for long-term memory storage. Protein synthesis inhibitors have played a pivotal role in the development of this theory. However, these commonly used drugs have unintended effects that have prompted some to reevaluate the role of protein synthesis in memory consolidation. Here we review the role of protein synthesis in memory formation as proposed by consolidation theory calling special attention to the controversy involving the non-specific effects of a group of protein synthesis inhibitors commonly used to study memory formation in vivo. We argue that molecular and genetic approaches that were subsequently applied to the problem of memory formation confirm the results of less selective pharmacological studies. Thus, to a certain extent, the debate over the role of protein synthesis in memory based on interpretational difficulties inherent to the use of protein synthesis inhibitors may be somewhat moot. We conclude by presenting avenues of research we believe will best provide answers to both long-standing and more recent questions facing field of learning and memory.
 Memory - drug effects Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate - drug effects Apoptosis - drug effects Gene Expression - genetics Humans Retention (Psychology) - drug effects Hippocampus - drug effects Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein - drug effects Amnesia - chemically induced Long-Term Potentiation - drug effects Protein Biosynthesis - drug effects Protein Synthesis Inhibitors - pharmacology Protein Synthesis Inhibitors - adverse effects

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