Epigenetic Marking and Neuronal Plasticity

Abstract

Neuronal plasticity at the cellular and synaptic levels plays an essential role in learning and memory but is also recognized as a critical adaptive process underlying the responses to many types of stimuli, including neuroendocrine, environmental, and pharmacological challenges. In addition, the dysfunction of neurons that underlies certain neurological and psychiatric illnesses is also mediated in part by dysregulation of neuronal plasticity. There are multiple molecular mechanisms that contribute to neuronal plasticity, including the regulation of gene expression. Notably, the focus of recent work has been on the role of epigenetic mechanisms that control chromatin remodeling and the accessibility of genes to transcriptional machinery. These studies demonstrate that epigenetic marking plays a critical role in virtually all major types of neuronal plasticity, including learning and memory, adaptations to stress, and responses to psychotropic drugs. Moreover, there is clear evidence that dysfunction of epigenetic mechanisms also contributes to neurological and psychiatric illness.