Iva Zovkic

Dr. Iva Zovkic

University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

20Years (2007-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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15 January 2013 in Learning & Memory
Verified
Journal Article
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PDF file
IZIva Zovkic
Iva Zovkic
MGMikael C. Guzman-Karlsson
Mikael C. Guzman-Karlsson
JSJ. David Sweatt
J. David Sweatt
Understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of memories is a central goal of the neuroscience community. It is well regarded that an organism's ability to lastingly adapt its behavior in response to a transient environmental stimulus relies on the central nervous system's capability for structural and functional plasticity. This plasticity is dependent on a well-regulated program of neurotransmitter release, post-synaptic receptor activation, intracellular signaling cascades, gene transcription, and subsequent protein synthesis. In the last decade, epigenetic markers like DNA methylation and post-translational modifications of histone tails have emerged as important regulators of the memory process. Their ability to regulate gene transcription dynamically in response to neuronal activation supports the consolidation of long-term memory. Furthermore, the persistent and self-propagating nature of these mechanisms, particularly DNA methylation, suggests a molecular mechanism for memory maintenance. In this review, we will examine the evidence that supports a role of epigenetic mechanisms in learning and memory. In doing so, we hope to emphasize (1) the widespread involvement of these mechanisms across different behavioral paradigms and distinct brain regions, (2) the temporal and genetic specificity of these mechanisms in response to upstream signaling cascades, and (3) the functional outcome these mechanisms may have on structural and functional plasticity. Finally, we consider the future directions of neuroepigenetic research as it relates to neuronal storage of information.

1 February 2007 in Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CMCheryl M. McCormick
Cheryl M. McCormick
IZIva Zovkic
Iva Zovkic

1 February 2010 in Brain and Cognition
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
CMCheryl M. McCormick
Cheryl M. McCormick
IZIva Zovkic
Iva Zovkic
CTCatherine Thomas
Catherine Thomas
PWPatti Waters
Patti Waters

1 June 2010 in Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry
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Journal Article
Closed access
CMCheryl M. McCormick
Cheryl M. McCormick
IZIva Zovkic
Iva Zovkic

13 June 2012 in Neuropsychopharmacology
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
IZIva Zovkic
Iva Zovkic
JSJ David Sweatt
J David Sweatt

14 September 2014 in Nature
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
PDF file
IZIva Zovkic
Iva Zovkic
BPBrynna S. Paulukaitis
Brynna S. Paulukaitis
JDJeremy Day
Jeremy Day
DEDeepa M. Etikala
Deepa M. Etikala
JSJ. David Sweatt
J. David Sweatt