Decoding the epigenetic signature of memory function in health and disease
The emerging field of neuroepigenetics investigates processes such as histone-acetylation in the context of
neuronal plasticity, memory function and brain diseases. My group has significantly contributed to this novel
research field. It is however fair to say that the role of “epigenetics” in memory function is still met with
some skepticism in the neurosciences, which is in part due to the fact that many of the current studies have
been describing phenomena and mechanistic data to explain how epigenetic processes control memory
function in health and disease are comparatively sparse. The major objective of this research proposal is to
address this issue and help to consolidate the field of neuroepigenetics by providing insight to the
mechanisms by which epigenetic processes contribute to memory formation under physiological and
pathological conditions. More specifically I will ask how the epigenetic code is translated into cellular
changes that mediate memory formation in health and disease and how can epigenetic mechanisms
contribute to the transmission of cognitive phenotypes even across generations. Our results will not only
provide import insight to the mechanisms that underlie memory formation but will also lay the basis for the
development of novel and improved therapies for age-related cognitive disorders.