Physical exercise as an epigenetic modulator of brain plasticity and cognition

Author(s)

Fernandes, Jansen ^{[1, 2]} ; Arida, Ricardo Mario ^[2] ; Gomez-Pinilla, Fernando ^{[1, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Calif Los Angeles, Dept Integrat Biol & Physiol, Los Angeles, CA 90095 - USA

^[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo UNIFESP, Escola Paulista Med, Dept Physiol, Sao Paulo, SP - Brazil

^[3] Univ Calif Los Angeles, Dept Neurosurg, UCLA Brain Injury Res Ctr, Los Angeles, CA 90095 - USA

• Document type: Review article
• Source: NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS; v. 80, p. 443-456, SEP 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 30

Abstract

A large amount of evidence has demonstrated the power of exercise to support cognitive function, the effects of which can last for considerable time. An emerging line of scientific evidence indicates that the effects of exercise are longer lasting than previously thought up to the point to affect future generations. The action of exercise on epigenetic regulation of gene expression seem central to building an ``epigenetic memory{''} to influence long-term brain function and behavior. In this review article, we discuss new developments in the epigenetic field connecting exercise with changes in cognitive function, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and microRNAs (miRNAs). The understanding of how exercise promotes long-term cognitive effects is crucial for directing the power of exercise to reduce the burden of neurological and psychiatric disorders. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 13/12692-4 - Influence of aerobic exercise on the expression and distribution of microRNAs in the hippocampal formation of adult rats
• Grantee: Ricardo Mario Arida
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 15/09234-0 - Effects of voluntary exercise on spatial memory and BDNF-related miRNAs expression after traumatic brain injury
• Grantee: Jansen Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/13725-3 - Influence of Aerobic Exercise on the Expression and Distribution of microRNAs in the Hippocampal Formation of Adult Rats
• Grantee: Jansen Fernandes
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate