Role of hippocampal myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) in the neuroplastic and cognitive effects of environmental stressors

Recently, the role of transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) has prevailed as a pro-survival agent against neuronal apoptosis, promoter of neuronal development and key player in memory consolidation. The current study examines whether three different types of stressors, namely psychologically relevant, immune and chemical stress would differentially influence MEF2 expression within the hippocampus. The study examines MEF2 associations to alterations in neurogenesis and performance in cognitive task (Y-maze). Our findings show non-significant differences of MEF2 expression within animals under psychologically relevant stress and those given immune insults. However, animals treated with environmental toxin paraquat showed declines in MEF2 levels within subgroups that scored low on the cognitive task. Moreover, we report novel findings of lowered neurogenesis within the hippocampus as a direct result of administration of environmental toxin and immune stressor. Our results add to the growing MEF2 body of work and open the door to future exploration.