Real-time visualization of mRNA synthesis during memory formation in live mice
Abstract
Arc is one of the genes that are rapidly transcribed by neuronal activity and thus used as a marker for memory trace or engram cells. However, the dynamics of engram cell populations is not well-known because of the difficulty in monitoring the rapid and transient gene expression in live animals. Using a mouse model in which endogenous Arc messenger RNA (mRNA) is fluorescently labeled, we demonstrate that Arc-expressing neuronal populations have distinct dynamics in different brain regions and that only a small subpopulation that consistently expresses Arc during both memory encoding and retrieval exhibits context-specific calcium activity. This live-animal RNA-imaging technique will offer a powerful tool for connecting gene expression to neuronal activity patterns and to behavior.
- Publication:
-
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science
- Pub Date:
- July 2022
- DOI:
- 10.1073/pnas.2117076119
- Bibcode:
- 2022PNAS..11917076L