mRNA m6A modifications and the RNA-binding protein YTHDF1 affect translational control in both normal and pathological learning

However, neural plasticity can also become maladaptive, leading to neurological and psychiatric disorders. How do we use known molecular mechanisms to harness the power of neural plasticity to prevent and treat diseases?

Consolidating learning is known to require new protein synthesis. We found that mRNA m6A modifications and the RNA-binding protein YTHDF1 are required for molecular, cellular, and behavioral adaptations in response to environmental changes. Deletion of Ythdf1 in dopamine D1- or D2 receptor-expressing neurons selectively impaired D1- or D2-dependent learning, respectively, including both adaptive and maladaptive learning.