Method for enhancing long-term memory in a subject and uses thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides for a method to enhance long-term memory in a subject whose cAMP-responsive gene expression is repressed due to binding of a cAMP-response-element-binding-protein-2 to a protein or a DNA associated with cAMP-responsive gene expression, or both, which comprises administering to the subject a compound capable of interfering with such binding in an amount effective to interfere with binding of the protein or the DNA so as to thereby derepress cAMP-responsive gene expression in the subject and enhance the subject's long-term memory.

1 - 6 . (canceled)  
     
     
         7 . A method for evaluating the ability of a compound to interfere with binding of a cAMP-response-element-binding-protein-2 to a protein associated with cAMP-responsive gene expression in a cell which comprises: 
 (a) contacting the cell with the compound under suitable cell culture conditions;    (b) measuring the amount of unbound protein associated with cAMP-responsive gene expression in the cell;    (c) comparing the amount in step (b) with the amount of unbound protein associated with cAMP-responsive gene expression in the absence of the compound, so as to thereby evaluate the ability of the compound to interfere with binding of the cAMP-response-element-binding-protein-2 to the protein.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the compound is an anti-cAMP-response-element-binding-protein-2 antibody.  
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the compound is capable of altering phosphorylation of the cAMP-response-element-binding-protein-2.  
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the compound is an organic compound, a peptide, a peptide mimetic, a small molecule, or a nucleic acid.  
     
     
         11 . A method for evaluating the ability of a compound to interfere with binding of a cAMP-response-element-binding-protein-2 to a DNA associated with cAMP-responsive gene expression in a cell which comprises: 
 (a) contacting the cell with the compound under suitable cell culture conditions;    (b) measuring the amount of unbound DNA associated with cAMP-responsive gene expression in the cell;    (c) comparing the amount in step (b) with the amount of unbound DNA associated with cAMP-responsive gene expression in the absence of the compound, so as to thereby evaluate the ability of the compound to interfere with binding of the cAMP-response-element-binding-protein-2 to the DNA.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the compound is an anti-cAMP-response-element-binding-protein-2 antibody.  
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the compound is capable of altering phosphorylation of the cAMP-response-element-binding-protein-2.  
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the compound is an organic compound, a peptide, a peptide mimetic, a small molecule, or a nucleic acid.  
     
     
         15 - 27 . (canceled)