Computational Design of Enhanced Learning Protocols

Learning and memory are influenced by the temporal pattern of training stimuli. The mechanisms that determine the effectiveness of a particular training protocol are not well understood, however. The hypothesis that the efficacy of a protocol is determined, in part, by interactions among biochemical cascades that underlie learning and memory was examined. Previous studies suggest that the PKA and ERK cascades are necessary to induce long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF) in Aplysia, a neuronal correlate of memory. A computational model of the PKA and ERK cascades was developed, and used the model to identify a novel training protocol that maximized PKA/ERK interactions. In vitro studies confirmed that the protocol enhanced LTF. Moreover, the protocol enhanced levels of phosphorylation of the transcription factor CREB1. Behavioral training confirmed that long-term memory also was enhanced by the protocol. These results illustrate the feasibility of using computational models to design training protocols that improve memory.