Hippocampal calpain is required for the consolidation and reconsolidation but not extinction of contextual fear memory

Dorsal raphe to basolateral amygdala corticotropin-releasing factor circuit regulates cocaine-memory reconsolidation

Environmental stimuli elicit drug craving and relapse in cocaine users by triggering the retrieval of strong cocaine-related contextual memories. Retrieval can also destabilize drug memories, requiring reconsolidation, a protein synthesis-dependent storage process, to maintain memory strength. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is necessary for cocaine-memory reconsolidation. We have hypothesized that a critical source of CRF in the BLA is the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) based on its neurochemistry, anatomical connectivity, and requisite involvement in cocaine-memory reconsolidation. To test this hypothesis, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received adeno-associated viruses to express Gi-coupled designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) selectively in CRF neurons of the DR and injection cannulae directed at the BLA. The rats were trained to self-administer cocaine in a distinct environmental context then received extinction training in a different context. Next, they were briefly re-exposed to the cocaine-predictive context to destabilize (reactivate) cocaine memories. Intra-BLA infusions of the DREADD agonist deschloroclozapine (DCZ; 0.1 mM, 0.5 µL/hemisphere) immediately after memory reactivation attenuated cocaine-memory strength, relative to vehicle infusion. This was indicated by a selective, DCZ-induced and memory reactivation-dependent decrease in drug-seeking behavior in the cocaine-predictive context in DREADD-expressing males and females at test compared to respective controls. Notably, BLA-projecting DR CRF neurons that exhibited increased c-Fos expression during memory reconsolidation co-expressed the glutamatergic neuronal marker, vesicular glutamate transporter 3. Together, these findings suggest that the DRCRF → BLA circuit is engaged to maintain cocaine-memory strength after memory destabilization, and this phenomenon may be mediated by DR CRF and/or glutamate release in the BLA.

DCC, a potential target for controlling fear memory extinction and hippocampal LTP in male mice receiving single prolonged stress

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe stress-dependent psychiatric disorder characterized by impairment of fear memory extinction; however, biological markers to determine impaired fear memory extinction in PTSD remain unclear. In male mice with PTSD-like behaviors elicited by single prolonged stress (SPS), 19 differentially expressed proteins in the hippocampus were identified compared with controls. Among them, a biological macromolecular protein named deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC) was highly upregulated. Specific overexpression of DCC in the hippocampus induced similar impairment of long-term potentiation (LTP) and fear memory extinction as observed in SPS mice. The impairment of fear memory extinction in SPS mice was improved by inhibiting the function of hippocampal DCC using a neutralizing antibody. Mechanistic studies have shown that knocking down or inhibiting μ-calpain in hippocampal neurons increased DCC expression and induced impairment of fear memory extinction. Additionally, SPS-triggered impairment of hippocampal LTP and fear memory extinction could be rescued through activation of the Rac1-Pak1 signaling pathway. Our study provides evidence that calpain-mediated regulation of DCC controls hippocampal LTP and fear memory extinction in SPS mice, which likely through activation of the Rac1-Pak1 signaling pathway.

Fear memory regulation by the cAMP signaling pathway as an index of reexperiencing symptoms in posttraumatic stress disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder associated with traumatic memory, yet its etiology remains unclear. Reexperiencing symptoms are specific to PTSD compared to other anxiety-related disorders. Importantly, reexperiencing can be mimicked by retrieval-related events of fear memory in animal models of traumatic memory. Recent studies revealed candidate PTSD-associated genes that were related to the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling pathway. Here, we demonstrate the tight linkage between facilitated cAMP signaling and PTSD by analyzing loss- and gain-of-cAMP signaling effects on fear memory in mice and the transcriptomes of fear memory-activated mice and female PTSD patients with reexperiencing symptoms. Pharmacological and optogenetic upregulation or downregulation of cAMP signaling transduction enhanced or impaired, respectively, the retrieval and subsequent maintenance of fear memory in mice. In line with these observations, integrative mouse and human transcriptome analysis revealed the reduced mRNA expression of phosphodiesterase 4B (PDE4B), an enzyme that degrades cAMP, in the peripheral blood of PTSD patients showing more severe reexperiencing symptoms and the mouse hippocampus after fear memory retrieval. Importantly, more severe reexperiencing symptoms and lower PDE4B mRNA levels were correlated with decreased DNA methylation of a locus within PDE4B, suggesting the involvement of methylation in the mechanism of PTSD. These findings raise the possibility that the facilitation of cAMP signaling mediating the downregulation of PDE4B expression enhances traumatic memory, thereby playing a key role in the reexperiencing symptoms of PTSD patients as a functional index of these symptoms.

Requisite role of dorsal raphé in contextual cocaine-memory reconsolidation

Memory reconsolidation is a process by which labile drug memories are restabilized in long-term memory stores, permitting their enduring control over drug-seeking behaviors. In the present study, we investigated the involvement of the dorsal raphé nuclei (DRN) in cocaine-memory reconsolidation. Sprague-Dawley rats (male, female) were trained to self-administer cocaine in a distinct environmental context to establish contextual drug memories. They then received extinction training in a different context. Next, the rats were re-exposed to the cocaine-predictive context for 15 min to reactivate their cocaine memories or remained in their home cages (no-reactivation control). Memory reactivation was sufficient to increase c-Fos expression, an index of neuronal activation, in the DRN, but not in the median raphé nuclei, during reconsolidation, compared to no reactivation. To determine whether DRN neuronal activity was necessary for cocaine-memory reconsolidation, rats received intra-DRN baclofen plus muscimol (BM; GABAB/A agonists) or vehicle microinfusions immediately after or 6 h after a memory reactivation session conducted with or without lever access. The effects of DRN functional inactivation on long-term memory strength, as indicated by the magnitude of context-induced cocaine seeking, were assessed 72 h later. Intra-DRN BM treatment immediately after memory reactivation with or without lever access attenuated subsequent context-induced cocaine-seeking behavior, independent of sex. Conversely, BM treatment in the adjacent periaqueductal gray (PAG) immediately after memory reactivation, or BM treatment in the DRN 6 h after memory reactivation, did not alter responding. Together, these findings indicate that the DRN plays a requisite role in maintaining cocaine-memory strength during reconsolidation.

Dorsal Raphe to Basolateral Amygdala Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Circuit Regulates Cocaine-Memory Reconsolidation

Environmental stimuli elicit drug craving and relapse in cocaine users by triggering the retrieval of strong cocainerelated contextual memories. Retrieval can also destabilize drug memories, requiring reconsolidation, a protein synthesis-dependent storage process, to maintain memory strength. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) is necessary for cocainememory reconsolidation. We have hypothesized that a critical source of CRF in the BLA is the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR) based on its neurochemistry, anatomical connectivity, and requisite involvement in cocaine-memory reconsolidation. To test this hypothesis, male and female Sprague-Dawley rats received adeno-associated viruses to express Gi-coupled designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) selectively in CRF neurons of the DR and injection cannulae directed at the BLA. The rats were trained to self-administer cocaine in a distinct environmental context then received extinction training in a different context. They were then briefly reexposed to the cocaine-predictive context to destabilize (reactivate) cocaine memories. Intra-BLA infusions of the DREADD agonist deschloroclozapine (DCZ; 0.1 mM, 0.5 μL/hemisphere) after memory reactivation attenuated cocaine-memory strength, relative to vehicle infusion. This was indicated by a selective, DCZ-induced and memory reactivation-dependent decrease in drug-seeking behavior in the cocaine-predictive context in DREADD-expressing males and females at test compared to respective controls. Notably, BLA-projecting DR CRF neurons that exhibited increased c-Fos expression during memory reconsolidation co-expressed glutamatergic and serotonergic neuronal markers. Together, these findings suggest that the DRCRF → BLA circuit is engaged to maintain cocaine-memory strength after memory destabilization, and this phenomenon may be mediated by DR CRF, glutamate, and/or serotonin release in the BLA.

Molecular mechanisms underpinning deconditioning-update in fear memory

Traumatic experiences are closely associated with some psychiatric conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Deconditioning-update promotes robust and long-lasting attenuation of aversive memories. The deconditioning protocol consists of applying weak/neutral footshocks during reactivations, so that the original tone-shock association is replaced by an innocuous stimulus that does not produce significant fear response. Here, we present the molecular bases that can support this mechanism. To this end, we used pharmacological tools to inhibit the activity of ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDA-GluN2B and CP-AMPA), the activity of proteases (calpains), and the receptors that control intracellular calcium storage (IP3 receptors), as well as the endocannabinoid system (CB1). Our results indicate that blocking these molecular targets prevents fear memory update by deconditioning. Therefore, this study uncovered the molecular substrate of deconditioning-update strategy, and, broadly, shed new light on the traumatic memory destabilization mechanisms that might be used to break the boundaries regarding reconsolidation-based approaches to deal with maladaptive memories.

PARP knockdown promotes synapse reformation after axon injury

Injured nervous systems are often incapable of self-repairing, resulting in permanent loss of function and disability. To restore function, a severed axon must not only regenerate, but must also reform synapses with target cells. Together, these processes beget functional axon regeneration. Progress has been made towards a mechanistic understanding of axon regeneration. However, the molecular mechanisms that determine whether and how synapses are formed by a regenerated motor axon are not well understood. Using a combination of in vivo laser axotomy, genetics, and high-resolution imaging, we find that poly (ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) inhibit synapse reformation in regenerating axons. As a result, regenerated parp(-) axons regain more function than regenerated wild-type axons, even though both have reached their target cells. We find that PARPs regulate both axon regeneration and synapse reformation in coordination with proteolytic calpain CLP-4. These results indicate approaches to functionally repair the injured nervous system must specifically target synapse reformation, in addition to other components of the injury response.

Consolidation, reconsolidation, and extinction of contextual fear memory depend on de novo protein synthesis in the locus coeruleus

Memory consolidation is the process underlying the stabilization of labile short-term memory and the generation of long-term memory for persistent memory storage. The retrieval of contextual fear memory induces two distinct and opposite memory processes: reconsolidation and extinction. Reconsolidation re-stabilizes retrieved memory for re-storage, whereas memory extinction weakens fear memory and generates a new inhibitory memory. Importantly, the requirement for new gene expression is a critical biochemical feature of the consolidation, reconsolidation, and long-term extinction of memory. The locus coeruleus (LC) is a small nucleus in the brain stem that is composed predominantly of noradrenergic neurons that project to many brain regions. Recent studies have shown that the LC plays modulatory roles in the consolidation and extinction of auditory fear memory through its projections to brain regions contributing to memory storage. Here, we show that the LC is required for the consolidation, reconsolidation, and long-term extinction of contextual fear memory. We first observed that c-fos expression was induced in the LC following contextual fear conditioning to induce consolidation and following short and long re-exposure to the conditioning context to induce reconsolidation and long-term extinction, respectively. More importantly, inhibition of protein synthesis in the LC by a micro-infusion of anisomycin blocked the consolidation, reconsolidation, and long-term extinction of contextual fear memory. Our findings suggest that consolidation, reconsolidation, and long-term extinction occur in the LC and that the LC plays an essential role in memory storage and maintenance.

Intranasal calcitonin gene-related peptide administration impairs fear memory retention in mice through the PKD/p-HDAC5/Npas4 pathway

The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) suppresses fear memory retention in mice. Although intracerebroventricular administration of CGRP alters the fear memory processes, making it a promising therapeutic strategy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), direct brain injection into patients is not practical. Therefore, we propose that intranasal application may be an effective way to deliver CGRP to the brain. This study tested whether CGRP nasal administration exerts the same effect as intracerebroventricular administration using C57BL6J mice. The amount of CGRP in the cerebrospinal fluid and hippocampus 30 min after nasal administration of CGRP was significantly higher when compared with saline. Intranasal CGRP also elicited photophobic behaviors similar to intracerebroventricular injection. Moreover, intranasal CGRP decreased fear memory retention but did not affect reactivation and extinction of fear memory. We found intranasal CGRP significantly increased the expression of protein kinase D (PKD), phosphorylated histone deacetylase 5 (p-HDAC5) and neuronal PAS domain protein 4 (Npas4) in the hippocampus. CGRP-mediated impairment of fear memory and Npas4 expression increases were attenuated significantly by the CGRP receptor antagonist BIBN4096. Together, our data demonstrate that intranasal CGRP delivery activates the PKD/p-HDAC5/Npas4 pathway, decreases fear memory retention.

Noninvasive Early Detection of Calpain 2-Enriched Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using a Human Serum Albumin-Bounded Calpain 2 Nanosensor

Lung cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage due to its unrecognized symptoms, resulting in high mortality. In recent decades, research into the development of an early diagnostic method for lung cancer has expanded in order to overcome the high mortality rate. Calpain 2 (CAPN2) has been suggested as a tumor marker linked to angiogenesis, cell proliferation, and migration in non-small cell lung cancer. In this study, CAPN2 enzyme-activatable near-infrared peptide sensor linked to human serum albumin (HSA-CAPN2) was developed. Intracellular localization and strong recovered fluorescence signals of HSA-CAPN2 were observed in in vitro experiments using A549-Luc cells, and signal recovery was inhibited by ALLN (a CAPN2 inhibitor). In vivo distribution and signal recovery evaluations performed using A549-Luc cell xenograft mice revealed that HSA-CAPN2 accumulated in the tumor region and produced high fluorescent signal recovery. Three-dimensional reconstructed images using single-plane illumination microscopy after tissue clarity visualized localization of HSA-CAPN2 in tumors. In addition, ALLN pretreatment showed a significant inhibitory effect on signal recovery of HSA-CAPN2, and that inhibition was induced by downregulation of CAPN2 at the gene and protein levels followed by decreases in Ca²⁺ levels. Overall, the results demonstrate the potential of HSA-CAPN2 as a sensor for CAPN2-enriched cancer.

Functional Compartmentalization of the Contribution of Hippocampal Subfields to Context-Dependent Extinction Learning

During extinction learning (EL), an individual learns that a previously learned behavior no longer fulfills its original purpose, or is no longer relevant. Recent studies have contradicted earlier theories that EL comprises forgetting, or the inhibition of the previously learned behavior, and indicate that EL comprises new associative learning. This suggests that the hippocampus is involved in this process. Empirical evidence is lacking however. Here, we used fluorescence in situ hybridization of somatic immediate early gene (IEG) expression to scrutinize if the hippocampus processes EL. Rodents engaged in context-dependent EL and were also tested for renewal of (the original behavioral response to) a spatial appetitive task in a T-maze. Whereas distal and proximal CA1 subfields processed both EL and renewal, effects in the proximal CA1 were more robust consistent with a role of this subfield in processing context. The lower blade of the dentate gyrus (DG) and the proximal CA3 subfields were particularly involved in renewal. Responses in the distal and proximal CA3 subfields suggest that this hippocampal subregion may also contribute to the evaluation of the reward outcome. Taken together, our findings provide novel and direct evidence for the involvement of distinct hippocampal subfields in context-dependent EL and renewal.

Basolateral amygdala calpain is required for extinction of contextual fear-memory

Extinction of fear-memory is essential for emotional and mental changes. However, the mechanisms underlying extinction of fear-memory are largely unknown. Calpain is a type of calcium-dependent protease that plays a critical role in memory consolidation and reconsolidation. Whether calpain functions in extinction of fear-memory is unknown, as are the molecular mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the pivotal role of calpain in extinction of fear-memory in mice, and assessed its mechanism. Conditioned stimulation/unconditioned stimulation-conditioned stimulation paradigms combined with pharmacological methods were employed to evaluate the action of calpain in memory extinction. Our data demonstrated that intraperitoneal or intra-basolateral amygdala (BLA) injection of calpain inhibitors could eliminate extinction of fear-memory in mice. Moreover, extinction of fear-memory paradigm-activated BLA calpain activity, which degraded suprachiasmatic nucleus circadian oscillatory protein (SCOP) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), subsequently contributing to activation of a protein kinase B (AKT)-mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTor) signaling pathway. Additionally, cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation was also augmented following extinction of fear-memory. Calpain inhibitor blocked the signaling pathway activation induced by extinction of fear-memory. Additionally, intra-BLA injection of rapamycin or cycloheximide also blocked the extinction of fear-memory. Conversely, intra-BLA injection of PTEN inhibitor, bpV, reversed the effect of calpeptin on extinction of fear-memory. Together, our data confirmed the function of BLA calpain in extinction of fear-memory, likely via degrading PTEN and activating AKT-mTor-dependent protein synthesis.

Remote Memory and Cortical Synaptic Plasticity Require Neuronal CCCTC-Binding Factor (CTCF)

The molecular mechanism of long-term memory has been extensively studied in the context of the hippocampus-dependent recent memory examined within several days. However, months-old remote memory maintained in the cortex for long-term has not been investigated much at the molecular level yet. Various epigenetic mechanisms are known to be important for long-term memory, but how the 3D chromatin architecture and its regulator molecules contribute to neuronal plasticity and systems consolidation is still largely unknown. CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is an 11-zinc finger protein well known for its role as a genome architecture molecule. Male conditional knock-out mice in which CTCF is lost in excitatory neurons during adulthood showed normal recent memory in the contextual fear conditioning and spatial water maze tasks. However, they showed remarkable impairments in remote memory in both tasks. Underlying the remote memory-specific phenotypes, we observed that female CTCF conditional knock-out mice exhibit disrupted cortical LTP, but not hippocampal LTP. Similarly, we observed that CTCF deletion in inhibitory neurons caused partial impairment of remote memory. Through RNA sequencing, we observed that CTCF knockdown in cortical neuron culture caused altered expression of genes that are highly involved in cell adhesion, synaptic plasticity, and memory. These results suggest that remote memory storage in the cortex requires CTCF-mediated gene regulation in neurons, whereas recent memory formation in the hippocampus does not.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is a well-known 3D genome architectural protein that regulates gene expression. Here, we use two different CTCF conditional knock-out mouse lines and reveal, for the first time, that CTCF is critically involved in the regulation of remote memory. We also show that CTCF is necessary for appropriate expression of genes, many of which we found to be involved in the learning- and memory-related processes. Our study provides behavioral and physiological evidence for the involvement of CTCF-mediated gene regulation in the remote long-term memory and elucidates our understanding of systems consolidation mechanisms.