Neuronal plasticity: how memes control genes

摘要

This paper gives a outline of the operational steps by which perceived patterns of behavior are transduced from peripheral sensors to the central nervous system, and then to synaptic and intra-neuronal mechanisms called Signal Transduction Pathways (STPs). STPs control cyclic AMP molecules that activate transcription factors leading to differential desinhibition of genes. One of the consequences of the expression of such genes, besides the production of proteins present in the previously activated STPs, is the activation of neural trophic factors (NTFs) that control dendritic growth, and therefore contribute to shape the morphology and patterns of neural connectivity in the brain. As this morphology and dynamical connections influence the behavior of the individual in the social context, a dynamic rapport between cultural patterns ("memes") and his/her genetic system can be established in epigenesis.