Dynamic transcription of the immediate-early gene arc in hippocampal neuronal networks: Insights into the molecular and cellular bases of memory formation

Abstract

The activity-regulated cytoskeletal-associated protein (Arc) is an immediate-early gene (IEG) that is dynamically regulated by neuronal activity. IEGs encode a diverse range of proteins including regulatory transcription factors, structural and signal transduction proteins, growth factors, proteases, and enzymes [reviewed in (Lanahan and Worley, 1998)]. Moreover, several IEGs have been shown to be required for long-lasting synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation processes [reviewed in (authorch19:guzowski2002, yearch19:guzowski2002)]. Of the IEGs investigated in learning and memory, Arc, also referred to as Arg3.1 (activity-regulated gene 3.1), has been of particular interest because of its tight experience-dependent regulation in behaviorally defined neural networks, its mRNA transport to and expression in activated synapses, its capacity for modification of synaptic function, and its critical role in memory consolidation. This chapter provides an overview of the research on Arc's properties, putative functions, and regulation at cellular and network levels.