%A Medina,Jorge H. %A Viola,Haydee %D 2018 %J Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience %C %F %G English %K ERK1/2,Long-term memory,retrieval,extinction,memory durability %Q %R 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00361 %W %L %M %P %7 %8 2018-October-05 %9 Mini Review %# %! ERK1/2 along memory life %* %< %T ERK1/2: A Key Cellular Component for the Formation, Retrieval, Reconsolidation and Persistence of Memory %U https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnmol.2018.00361 %V 11 %0 JOURNAL ARTICLE %@ 1662-5099 %X Extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) has been strongly implicated in several cellular processes. In the brain ERK1/2 activity has been primarily involved in long-term memory (LTM) formation and expression. Here, we review earlier evidence and describe recent developments of ERK1/2 signaling in memory processing focusing the attention on the role of ERK1/2 in memory retrieval and reconsolidation, and in the maintenance of the memory trace including mechanisms involving the protection of labile memories. In addition, relearning requires ERK1/2 activity in selected brain regions. Its involvement in distinct memory stages points at ERK1/2 as a core element in memory processing and as one likely target to treat memory impairments associated with neurological disorders.