Transcription factor Egr-1 is required for long-term fear memory and anxiety.

TitleTranscription factor Egr-1 is required for long-term fear memory and anxiety.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2005
AuthorsKo SW, Ao H-S, Mendel AGallitano, Qiu C-S, Wei F, Milbrandt J, Zhuo M
JournalSheng Li Xue Bao
Volume57
Issue4
Pagination421-32
Date Published2005 Aug 25
ISSN0371-0874
Abstract

The zinc finger transcription factor Egr-1 is critical for coupling extracellular signals to changes in cellular gene expression. In the hippocampus and amygdala, two major central regions for memory formation and storage, Egr-1 is up-regulated by long-term potentiation (LTP) and learning paradigms. Using Egr-1 knockout mice, we showed that Egr-1 was selectively required for late auditory fear memory while short term, trace and contextual memory were not affected. Additionally, synaptic potentiation induced by theta burst stimulation in the amygdala and auditory cortex was significantly reduced or blocked in Egr-1 knockout mice. Our study suggests that the transcription factor Egr-1 plays a selective role in late auditory fear memory.

Alternate JournalSheng Li Xue Bao
PubMed ID16094488