The Role of Epigenetics in Conditioned Fear

Sweatt will review evidence that epigenetic processes, especially DNA methylation and demethylation, drive long-term behavioral change through active regulation of gene transcription in the brain. Specifically, epigenetic processes underlie the formation and stabilization of context- and cue-triggered fear conditioning localized to the hippocampus and amygdala. Pharmacologically manipulating these epigenetic changes associated with fear conditioning might provide novel, effective treatments for disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.