Effects of environmental enrichment on gene expression in the brain

TLDR

An enriched environment is known to promote structural changes in the brain and to enhance learning and memory performance in rodents. The study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying experience‑dependent cognitive changes induced by environmental enrichment. High‑density oligonucleotide microarrays were employed to analyze gene expression in the brain. Enrichment training altered expression of many genes linked to neuronal structure, synaptic plasticity, and transmission, suggesting roles in modulating learning and memory capacity. Psychol.

Abstract

An enriched environment is known to promote structural changes in the brain and to enhance learning and memory performance in rodents [Hebb, D. O. (1947) Am. Psychol. 2, 306–307]. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying these experience-dependent cognitive changes, we have used high-density oligonucleotide microarrays to analyze gene expression in the brain. Expression of a large number of genes changes in response to enrichment training, many of which can be linked to neuronal structure, synaptic plasticity, and transmission. A number of these genes may play important roles in modulating learning and memory capacity.