β-catenin is required for memory consolidation

KA Maguschak, KJ Ressler - Nature neuroscience, 2008 - nature.com
KA Maguschak, KJ Ressler
Nature neuroscience, 2008nature.com
Abstract β-catenin has been implicated in neuronal synapse regulation and remodeling.
Here we have examined β-catenin expression in the adult mouse brain and its role in
amygdala-dependent learning and memory. We found alterations in β-catenin mRNA and
protein phosphorylation during fear-memory consolidation. Such alterations correlated with
a change in the association of β-catenin with cadherin. Pharmacologically, this consolidation
was enhanced by lithium-mediated facilitation of β-catenin. Genetically, the role of β-catenin …
Abstract
β-catenin has been implicated in neuronal synapse regulation and remodeling. Here we have examined β-catenin expression in the adult mouse brain and its role in amygdala-dependent learning and memory. We found alterations in β-catenin mRNA and protein phosphorylation during fear-memory consolidation. Such alterations correlated with a change in the association of β-catenin with cadherin. Pharmacologically, this consolidation was enhanced by lithium-mediated facilitation of β-catenin. Genetically, the role of β-catenin was confirmed with site-specific deletions of loxP-flanked Ctnnb1 (encoding β-catenin) in the amygdala. Baseline locomotion, anxiety-related behaviors and acquisition or expression of conditioned fear were normal. However, amygdala-specific deletion of Ctnnb1 prevented the normal transfer of newly formed fear learning into long-term memory. Thus, β-catenin may be required in the amygdala for the normal consolidation, but not acquisition, of fear memory. This suggests a general role for β-catenin in the synaptic remodeling and stabilization underlying long-term memory in adults.
nature.com