DNA G-Quadruplex Is a Transcriptional Control Device That Regulates Memory

Paul R. Marshall*, Joshua Davies, Qiongyi Zhao, Wei Siang Liau, Yujin Lee, Dean Basic, Ambika Periyakaruppiah, Esmi L. Zajaczkowski, Laura J. Leighton, Sachithrani U. Madugalle, Mason Musgrove, Marcin Kielar, Arie Maeve Brueckner, Hao Gong, Haobin Ren, Alexander Walsh, Lech Kaczmarczyk, Walker S. Jackson, Alon Chen, Robert C. SpitaleTimothy W. Bredy*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The conformational state of DNA fine-tunes the transcriptional rate and abundance of RNA. Here, we report that G-quadruplex DNA (G4-DNA) accumulates in neurons, in an experience-dependent manner, and that this is required for the transient silencing and activation of genes that are critically involved in learning and memory in male C57/BL6 mice. In addition, site-specific resolution of G4-DNA by dCas9-mediated deposition of the helicase DHX36 impairs fear extinction memory. Dynamic DNA structure states therefore represent a key molecular mechanism underlying memory consolidation. One-Sentence Summary: G4-DNA is a molecular switch that enables the temporal regulation of the gene expression underlying the formation of fear extinction memory.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0093232024
JournalJournal of Neuroscience
Volume44
Issue number15
Early online date28 Feb 2024
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 10 Apr 2024

Bibliographical note

We thank Ms. Rowan Tweedale for the helpful editing of the manuscript. Australian Research Council GA142202 (T.W.B.).

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 Society for Neuroscience. All rights reserved.

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Neuroscience

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