The role of the circadian gene Per1 in age-related memory decline
School of Neuroscience Innovators Seminar Series
Janine L. Kwapis, Ph.D., Department of Biology, Penn State University
- Public Neuroscience Seminar
- Wednesday, December 4th, 2019
- 11:00 am – 12:00pm
- Fralin Auditorium
Aging is accompanied by impairments in both long-term memory and circadian rhythmicity. Although it is clear that memory performance is affected by circadian cycling, it is unknown whether these biological processes share a common mechanism that is altered with age. Dr. Kwapis will present evidence that epigenetic regulation of the circadian gene Period1 (Per1) in the dorsal hippocampus is critical for memory formation and contributes to age-related memory decline. Using a combination of behavior, transgenic manipulations, sequencing technologies and CRISPR, her work explores the interface between epigenetics, age-related memory decline and circadian gene function to understand why memory gets worse with old age.
For more information, contact Dr. Timothy Jarome