Use it and boost it: cognitive and physical activities modulate cognition via BDNF-TrkB signaling

Our motto “Use it and boost it” suggests that stimulating experiences enhance neural functioning. Previous work has shown that cognition is enhanced by mental and physical activities. The current research examines the molecular mechanisms underlying cognitive and physical activity-induced enhancements in cognition. We found that cognitive and physical activity increased BDNF protein, BDNF-TrkB signaling, and BDNF release in the hippocampus and striatum. Our studies show that priming the brain with cognitive and physical activities enhance hippocampus- and striatum-sensitive learning via BDNF-TrkB signaling. In addition, we found that physical activity increases BDNF release in the striatum before and during task learning and in the hippocampus during task learning. To further identify the cell signaling mechanisms supporting cognitive activity-induced learning enhancements, we investigated how BDNF-TrkB signaling and learning contribute to GSK3β inhibition in the hippocampus and striatum. We found that GSK3β inhibition in the hippocampus and striatum increased following place and response training, but not the priming task SA. Furthermore, we found no effects of blockade of BDNF-TrkB signaling on GSK3β inhibition in the hippocampus and striatum. Thus, BDNF-TrkB signaling induced by cognitive priming is modulating place and response learning enhancements via non GSK3β-related mechanisms. Taken together, our results show that the molecular mechanisms underlying our motto of “Use it and Boost it” are functioning via use-induced increases in BDNF release, and signaling in the hippocampus and striatum.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Neuroscience

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Scavuzzo, Claire

Contributors dc:contributor

• Gold, Paul E.
• Korol, Donna L
• Korol, Donna L.
• Schantz, Susan L.
• Roy, Edward J.
• Ceman, Stephanie S.

• hippocampus
• striatum
• place learning
• response learning
• multiple memory systems
• glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2014 Claire Scavuzzo

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/50428

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/50428