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Evolutionarily‐conserved role of the NF‐κB transcription factor in neural plasticity and memory
Author(s) -
Romano Arturo,
Freudenthal Ramiro,
Merlo Emiliano,
Routtenberg Aryeh
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
european journal of neuroscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.346
H-Index - 206
eISSN - 1460-9568
pISSN - 0953-816X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2006.05022.x
Subject(s) - transcription factor , neuroscience , biology , synapse , synaptic plasticity , neuronal memory allocation , regulator , mechanism (biology) , microbiology and biotechnology , metaplasticity , genetics , gene , receptor , philosophy , epistemology
NF‐κB is an evolutionarily conserved family of transcription factors (TFs) critically involved in basic cellular mechanisms of the immune response, inflammation, development and apoptosis. In spite of the fact that it is expressed in the central nervous system, particularly in areas involved in memory processing, and is activated by signals such as glutamate and Ca 2+ , its role in neural plasticity and memory has only recently become apparent. A surprising feature of this molecule is its presence within the synapse. An increasing number of reports have called attention to the role of this TF in processes that require long‐term regulation of the synaptic function underlying memory and neural plasticity. Here we review the evidence regarding a dual role for NF‐κB, as both a signalling molecule after its activation at the synapse and a transcriptional regulator upon reaching the nucleus. The specific role of this signal, as well as the general transcriptional mechanism, in the process of memory formation is discussed. Converging lines of evidence summarized here point to a pivotal role for the NF‐κB transcription factor as a direct signalling mechanism in the regulation of gene expression involved in long‐term memory.