: Learning induces unique transcriptional landscapes in the auditory cortex

Learning can induce neurophysiological plasticity in the auditory cortex at multiple timescales. Lasting changes to auditory cortical function that persist over days, weeks, or even a lifetime, require learning-induced gene expression. Indeed, de novo transcription is the molecular determinant for whether transient experiences transform into long-term memories with a lasting impact on behavior. However, auditory cortical genes that support auditory learning, memory, and acquired sound-specific behavior are largely unknown. This report is the first to identify genome-wide changes in learning-induced gene expression within the auditory cortex thought to underlie the formation of auditory memory. Bioinformatic analyses on gene enrichment profiles from RNA sequencing identified biological pathways that include cholinergic synapses and neuroactive receptor interactions. The findings characterize key candidate effectors underlying changes in cortical function that support the formation of long-term auditory memory in the adult brain. The molecules and mechanisms identified are potential therapeutic targets to facilitate long-term and sound-specific changes to auditory function in adulthood and are now prime for future gene-targeted investigations.