Memory and neuromodulation: A perspective of DNA methylation

Chi Him Poon; Ying-Shing Chan; Man Lung Fung; Lee Wei Lim

doi:10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.022

Memory and neuromodulation: A perspective of DNA methylation

Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2020 Apr:111:57-68. doi: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.022. Epub 2019 Dec 14.

Authors

Chi Him Poon¹, Ying-Shing Chan¹, Man Lung Fung¹, Lee Wei Lim²

Affiliations

¹ School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
² School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. Electronic address: drlimleewei@gmail.com.

PMID: 31846654
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.022

Abstract

Neuromodulation techniques have shown promising efficacy on memory function and understanding the epigenetic mechanisms contributing to these processes would shed light on the molecular outcomes essential for cognition. In this review, we highlight some epigenetic mechanisms underlying neuromodulation and regulatory effects of neuronal activity-induced DNA methylation on genes that are highly involved in memory formation. Next, we examine the evidence to support DNA methyltransferase 3a, methyl-CpG binding protein 2, and DNA demethylase as possible memory modulation targets. Finally, we report the recent developments in the field of neuromodulation and explore the potential of these techniques for future neuroepigenetic research.

Keywords: DNA methylation; Learning and memory; Neuroepigenetics; Neuromodulation.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

Animals
DNA Methylation / physiology*
DNA Methyltransferase 3A
Electric Stimulation Therapy*
Epigenesis, Genetic / physiology*
Hippocampus / metabolism
Hippocampus / physiology*
Humans
Memory / physiology*