Publication Type Academic Article
Authors Huynh T, Santini E, Mojica E, Fink A, Hall B, Fetcho R, Grosenick L, Deisseroth K, LeDoux J, Liston C, Klann E
Journal Mol Psychiatry
Volume 23
Issue 6
Pagination 1394-1401
Date Published 05/02/2017
ISSN 1476-5578
Keywords Extinction, Psychological, Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases, 90-kDa
Abstract Repeated presentations of a previously conditioned stimulus lead to a new form of learning known as extinction, which temporarily alters the response to the original stimulus. Previous studies have shown that the consolidation of extinction memory requires de novo protein synthesis. However, the role of specific nodes of translational control in extinction is unknown. Using auditory threat conditioning in mice, we investigated the role of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and its effector p70 S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) in the extinction of auditory threat conditioning. We found that rapamycin attenuated the consolidation of extinction memory. In contrast, genetic deletion and pharmacological inhibition of S6K1, a downstream effector of mTORC1, blocked within-session extinction, indicating a role for S6K1 independent of protein synthesis. Indeed, the activation of S6K1 during extinction required extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation in the basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) and was necessary for increased phosphorylation of the GluA1 (Thr840) subunit of the AMPA receptor following extinction training. Mice exposed to brief uncontrollable stress showed impaired within-session extinction as well as a downregulation of ERK and S6K1 signaling in the amygdala. Finally, using fiber photometry we were able to record calcium signals in vivo, and we found that inhibition of S6K1 reduces extinction-induced changes in neuronal activity of the BLA. These results implicate a novel ERK-S6K1-GluA1 signaling cascade critically involved in extinction.
DOI 10.1038/mp.2017.99
PubMed ID 28461701
PubMed Central ID PMC5668214
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