Meeting Abstract

S5.12  Monday, Jan. 5 15:15  Epigenomics of Neuroplasticity in Invertebrates: Part 2. Probing relationships between memory, injury, and development SANFORD, R, S*; DABE, E, D; BOSTWICK, C, J; RIVA, A; WILLIAMS, P, L; KOHN, A, B; MOROZ, L, L; Univ. of Florida, Gainesville; Univ. of Florida, Gainesville; Univ. of Florida, Gainesville; Univ. of Florida, Gainesville; Univ. of Florida, Gainesville; Univ. of Florida, Gainesville; Univ. of Florida, Gainesville rsanford@ufl.edu

Epigenomic mechanisms, including DNA methylation and demethylation, underlie multiple forms of long-term plasticity. However, these mechanisms are poorly understood in invertebrates and the evolution of epigenetic regulation is currently elusive. Previous studies suggest that mechanisms of memory formation, differentiation and responses to injury share many similarities and, perhaps, the same molecular machinery¹. Here we will present both transcriptomic and epigenetic approaches to characterize tissue and single-cell epigenomic responses and mechanisms in various invertebrate models. We will discuss what common mechanisms are shared between injury, memory and developmental processes.
¹ Walters, E. T. & Moroz, L. L. Molluscan memory of injury: evolutionary insights into chronic pain and neurological disorders. Brain Behav Evol 74, 206-218, doi:10.1159/000258667 (2009).