Evolution of memory system‐related genes

Abstract

Memory has an essential function in human life as it helps individuals remember and recognize their surroundings. It is also the major form of cognition that controls behavior. As memory is a function that is highly characteristic of humans, how it was established is of particular interest. Recent progress in the field of neurosciences, together with the technological advancement of genome‐wide approaches, has led to the accumulation of evidence regarding the presence and similar/distinct mechanisms of memory among species. However, the understanding of the evolution of memory obtained utilizing these genome‐wide approaches remains unclear. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the literature on the evolution of the memory system among species and the genes involved in this process. This review also discusses possible approaches to study the evolution of memory systems to guide future research.

Keywords

• evolution
• memory
• episodic memory
• long‐term potentiation
• sensitization