The Role of Transposable Elements in Long-Term Memory Formation

Abstract

A number of experimental studies are described that challenge the significance of synaptic plasticity and prove the role of transposable elements in memory consolidation. This is due to the cis-regulatory influence of activated transposable elements on gene expression, as well as insertions into new genomic loci near the genes involved in brain functioning. RNAs and proteins of endogenous retroviruses are transported to dendritic synapses and transmit information to change gene expression in neighboring cells through the formation of virus-like particles in vesicles. Because of this, the relationship between synaptic plasticity and nuclear coding is ensured, since transposable elements are also drivers of epigenetic regulation owing to the relationship to the noncoding RNAs derived from them. Our analysis of the scientific literature allowed us to identify the role of 17 microRNAs derived from transposable elements in normal memory formation. In neurodegenerative diseases with memory impairment, we identified impaired expression of 44 microRNAs derived from transposable elements. This demonstrates the potential for targeting pathological transposon activation in neurodegenerative diseases for memory restoration using microRNAs as tools.