Stimulation of cAMP response element (CRE)-mediated transcription during contextual learning

Recent studies suggest that the CREB-CRE transcriptional pathway is pivotal in the formation of some types of long-term memory. However, it has not be en demonstrated that stimuli that induce learning and memory activate CRE-m ediated gene expression. To address this issue, we used a mouse strain tran sgenic for a CRE-lac Z reporter to examine the effects of hippocampus-depen dent learning on CRE-mediated gene expression in the brain. Training for co ntextual conditioning or passive avoidance led to significant increases in CRE-dependent gene expression in areas CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus. Audi tory cue fear-conditioning, which is amygdala dependent, was associated wit h increased CRE-mediated gene expression in the amygdala, but not the hippo campus. These data demonstrate that learning in response to behavioral cond itioning activates the CRE transcriptional pathway in specific areas of bra in.