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Improved specificity of hippocampal memory trace labeling
Author(s) -
Cazzulino Alejandro S.,
Martinez Randy,
Tomm Nicole K.,
Denny Christine A.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
hippocampus
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.767
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1098-1063
pISSN - 1050-9631
DOI - 10.1002/hipo.22556
Subject(s) - hippocampal formation , neuroscience , dentate gyrus , transactivation , context (archaeology) , hippocampus , engram , chemistry , trace (psycholinguistics) , memory consolidation , selective estrogen receptor modulator , estrogen receptor , psychology , biology , transcription factor , biochemistry , genetics , paleontology , linguistics , philosophy , gene , cancer , breast cancer
Recent studies have focused on the identification and manipulation of memory traces in rodent models. The two main mouse models utilized are either a CreER T2 /loxP tamoxifen (TAM)‐ or a tetracycline transactivator/tetracycline‐response element doxycycline‐inducible system. These systems, however, could be improved to label a more specific population of activated neurons corresponding to behavior. Here, we sought to identify an improved selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator (SERM) in which we could label an individual memory trace in ArcCreER T2 mice. We found that 4‐hydroxytamoxifen (4‐OHT) is a selective SERM in the ArcCreER T2 × Rosa26‐CAG‐stop flox ‐channelrhodospin (ChR2)‐enhanced yellow fluorescent protein (eYFP) mice. The half‐life of 4‐OHT is shorter than TAM, allowing for more specificity of memory trace labeling. Furthermore, 4‐OHT allowed for context‐specific labeling in the dentate gyrus and CA3. In summary, we believe that 4‐OHT improves the specificity of memory trace labeling and will allow for refined memory trace studies in the future. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.