# Translational Control in Synaptic Plasticity and Memory

> **NIH NIH R01** · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY · 2020 · $422,214

## Abstract

Over the last 15 years, several laboratories, including my laboratory, have identified multiple signaling
pathways that regulate translation via the translation initiation factors eIF4E and eIF2α during protein
synthesis-dependent forms of long-lasting synaptic plasticity and various memory processes in rodents,
including the consolidation, reconsolidation, and extinction of auditory threat memory. These findings
have generated much excitement because they demonstrate the complex biochemical regulation of
translation during synaptic plasticity and memory. Despite this progress, a number of critical and
unresolved questions regarding the requirement for de novo protein synthesis in memory consolidation
remain unanswered. We plan to focus on auditory threat memory in the amygdala and address three new
questions that are critical for a more complete understanding of the role of de novo protein synthesis in
memory formation. First, which cell types in the lateral amygdala (LA) and centrolateral (CeL) amygdala
require eIF4E-dependent translation for auditory threat memory? Second, which cell types in the LA and
CeL require eIF2α-dependent translation for the consolidation and reconsolidation of auditory threat
memory? Third, does auditory threat learning induce cell type-specific translation profiles in the LA and
CeL? These questions will be addressed by utilizing the powerful multidisciplinary combination of new
groundbreaking genetically-engineered mice, electrophysiological recordings, immunocytochemistry,
innovative methods to measure de novo protein synthesis in vivo, and cell-type translational profiling.
The results of these studies will provide fundamental insights into the molecular events in both excitatory
and inhibitory neurons that support consolidation and reconsolidation of auditory threat memory.
Moreover, these studies have the potential to provide cell type-specific therapeutic targets for multiple
brain disorders that are associated with dysregulated translation.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9955336
- **Project number:** 5R01NS047384-15
- **Recipient organization:** NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Eric Klann
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $422,214
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2005-07-01 → 2021-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9955336

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9955336, Translational Control in Synaptic Plasticity and Memory (5R01NS047384-15). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9955336. Licensed CC0.

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