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Aziz, Wajeeha; Kraev, Igor; Mizuno, Keiko; Kirby, Alastair; Fang, Ton; Rupawala, Huzefa; Kasbi, Kamillia; Rothe, Stephanie; Jozsa, Felix; Rosenblum, Kobi; Stewart, Michael G. and Giese, K. Peter
(2019).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2019.08.064
Abstract
Long-lasting changes at synapses enable memory storage in the brain. Although aging is associated with impaired memory formation, it is not known whether the synaptic underpinnings of memory storage differ with age. Using a training schedule that results in the same behavioral memory formation in young and aged mice, we examined synapse ultrastructure and molecular signaling in the hippocampus after contextual fear conditioning. Only in young, but not old mice, contextual fear memory formation was associated with synaptic changes that characterize well-known, long-term potentiation, a strengthening of existing synapses with one input. Instead, old-age memory was correlated with generation of multi-innervated dendritic spines (MISs), which are predominantly two-input synapses formed by the attraction of an additional excitatory, presynaptic terminal onto an existing synapse. Accordingly, a blocker used to inhibit MIS generation impaired contextual fear memory only in old mice. Our results reveal how the synaptic basis of hippocampal memory storage changes with age and suggest that these distinct memory-storing mechanisms may explain impaired updating in old age.
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About
- Item ORO ID
- 67867
- Item Type
- Journal Item
- ISSN
- 0960-9822
- Project Funding Details
-
Funded Project Name Project ID Funding Body The role of multi-innervated dendritic spines in memory formation in old age (SB-11-136-MS) BB/J021687/1 BBSRC (Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council) - Keywords
- memory storage; normal aging; structural plasticity at synapses; contextual fear conditioning; reconsolidation; multiinnervated dendritic spines; synaptic signaling; CaMKIIPSD-95nNOS
- Academic Unit or School
-
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Life, Health and Chemical Sciences - Copyright Holders
- © 2019 The Authors
- Depositing User
- ORO Import