Role of Dnmt3a2 in the establishment and stability of experience-dependent cell ensembles (C01)

• Subject Area: Molecular Biology and Physiology of Neurons and Glial Cells
• Term: from 2015 to 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 243553651

The activation and stabilization of new cell ensembles in the hippocampus is thought to be essential for the formation and consolidation of spatial memories. Mounting evidence suggests that the methyltransferase Dnmt3a2 is involved in the memory consolidation. We will test the hypothesis that Dnmt3a2 plays a critical role in the stabilization of new, memory-forming cell ensembles. We will manipulate bi-directionally the expression of Dnmt3a2 in the hippocampus. Assessing the effects on formation and stabilization of new cell ensembles will provide new insight into how epigenetic mechanisms contribute to memory.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1134: Functional ensembles: cellular components, patterned activity and plasticity of co-active neurons in local networks
• Applicant Institution: Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg
• Co-Applicant Institution: Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ)
• Project Heads: Dr. Kevin Allen; Professorin Dr. Ana M. M. Oliveira