Axonal trafficking of an antisense RNA transcribed from a pseudogene is regulated by classical conditioning.

Sergei A Korneev, Ildiko Kemenes, Natalia L Bettini, George Kemenes, Kevin Staras, Paul R Benjamin, Michael O'Shea

Scientific reports 2013

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Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are endogenous RNA molecules that are complementary to known RNA transcripts. The functional significance of NATs is poorly understood, but their prevalence in the CNS suggests a role in brain function. Here we investigated a long NAT (antiNOS-2 RNA) associated with the regulation of nitric oxide (NO) production in the CNS of Lymnaea, an established model for molecular analysis of learning and memory. We show the antiNOS-2 RNA is axonally trafficked and demonstrate that this is regulated by classical conditioning. Critically, a single conditioning trial changes the amount of antiNOS-2 RNA transported along the axon. This occurs within the critical time window when neurotransmitter NO is required for memory formation. Our data suggest a role for the antiNOS-2 RNA in establishing memories through the regulation of NO signaling at the synapse.

Citation

Sergei A Korneev, Ildiko Kemenes, Natalia L Bettini, George Kemenes, Kevin Staras, Paul R Benjamin, Michael O'Shea. Axonal trafficking of an antisense RNA transcribed from a pseudogene is regulated by classical conditioning. Scientific reports. 2013;3:1027