H3K9me3 Inhibition Improves Memory, Promotes Spine Formation, and Increases BDNF Levels in the Aged Hippocampus

Overview

Journal J Neurosci

Specialty Neurology

Date 2016 Mar 26

PMID 27013689

Citations 64

Authors

Shikha Snigdha

G Aleph Prieto

Arpine Petrosyan

Brad M Loertscher

Andre P Dieskau

Larry E Overman

Carl W Cotman

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Significance Statement: Cognitive decline is a debilitating condition associated with not only neurodegenerative diseases but also aging in general. However, effective treatments have been slow to emerge so far. In this study, we demonstrate that epigenetic regulation of key synaptic proteins may be an underlying, yet reversible, cause of this decline. Our findings suggest that histone 3 trimethylation is a probable target for pharmacological intervention that can counteract cognitive decline in the aging brain. Finally, we provide support to the hypothesis that, by manipulating the enzyme that regulates H3K9me3 (using a newly developed specific inhibitor of SUV39H1), it is possible to alter the chromatin state of subjects and restore memory and synaptic function in the aging brain.

Citing Articles

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Loss of H3K9 trimethylation leads to premature aging.

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