Publication: Kramer Lab
The Drosophila SWI/SNF complex subunit Bap60 is required for training-induced gene transcription during long-term memory formation
Authors: Spencer G Jones, Nicholas Raun, Calum Blackwood, Neda Miandashti, Shanyn C Bleeker, Abigail L Henn, Jamie M Kramer*
Link: https://doi.org/10.1093/genetics/iyag207
Unlocking the Secrets of Long-Term Memory: How a Single Protein Complex Enables Brain Plasticity
A new study published in Genetics sheds light on the essential mechanisms the brain uses to store long-term memories. Researchers investigated how chromatin remodeling—a process that alters DNA structure to control gene activity—helps solidify long-term memory formation in the brain.
Key Findings
Essential Memory Subunit: The research focuses on Bap60, a subunit of the SWI/SNF protein complex in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). When researchers knocked down Bap60 in adult mushroom body neurons—the primary memory center of the fly brain—the animals lost their ability to form long-term memories.
Transcription Control: Forming a long-term memory requires the brain to turn on specific genes during a consolidation window after learning. Bap60 plays a central role in activating this transcriptional response following memory training.
Downstream Activation Network: While Bap60 is not required to activate initial "immediate early genes" (IEGs) like Hr38 and sr, it works downstream of or alongside them. Researchers identified 142 genes regulated by Bap60 and mapped key transcription factor target networks, including prospero, which was also proven necessary for long-term memory formation.
Why It Matters
In humans, Bap60 corresponds to the SMARCD1 protein, and variants in human SWI/SNF subunits are linked to neurodevelopmental conditions such as Coffin–Siris syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, and intellectual disability. By uncovering how chromatin remodelers regulate post-learning gene activity in adult neurons, this research enhances our understanding of the molecular basis of memory and offers critical insights into cognitive disorders.
*Jamie Kramer is a BRC member and co-organiser of the Insect Research Group (IRG) Journal Club, which brings together investigators and trainees from some of the insect and fly labs around Dalhousie campus. Meetings are monthly and trainees give presentations to a critical audience in their field, transcending departments. Check Calendar for upcoming meetings.