There is strong evidence that the epigenetic regulation of gene transcription,
by way of covalent modifications of DNA and DNA-associated proteins, and through
microRNAs, is an essential process underlying neuronal plasticity and memory. This
chapter brings the non-specialist reader up to speed on important concepts within
memory research, focusing on the role of the hippocampus, the molecular regulation of
synaptic strength, and the behavioral tools used to examine learning and memory in
experimental animals. Next, we describe the close association that is observed between
defective epigentic processes and impaired memory in several cognitive diseases. The
bulk of the chapter is then devoted to describing three broad classes of technical
approaches that have been used to better understand how DNA methylation, histone
post-translational modification, and microRNAs might contribute to memory. We end
the chapter with a discussion on the potential relevance of epigenetic processes in
sustaining memory traces in the brain over very long periods of time.
Keywords: Epigenetics, memory, plasticity, hippocampus, DNA methylation,
histone code, microRNA.
