# Meta-analysis identifies AP-1 role in rodent brain plasticity across 20 RNA-seq studies

- Published: 2026-11-06 10:35 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Neurotechnology
- Tags: brain plasticity mechanisms, enriched environment rodents, AP-1 transcription factor, synaptic plasticity RNA sequencing, mEEtaBrain database
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-bee0af385ff2f673d4b00af3_meta_analysis_identifies/

**Researchers analyzed transcriptomic data from rodents in enriched environments to identify common gene expression mechanisms driving synaptic plasticity.**

![Meta-analysis identifies AP-1 role in rodent brain plasticity across 20 RNA-seq studies](https://sgzwpqqelzmajkcubgkl.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/rt-media/2026/11/7c830b1b78660e85.jpg)
*Rama, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0 fr*

A meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the Institute for Neurosciences, a joint centre of the Spanish National Research Council and Miguel Hernández University of Elche, alongside the University of Warsaw, has identified conserved gene expression signatures associated with environmental stimulation in rodents, EurekAlert reported [1]. The team initially screened more than 300 publications on environmental enrichment and selected 20 RNA sequencing studies for standardized cross-study evaluation [1]. Combining the datasets using three distinct statistical methods enabled the identification of recurring transcriptomic shifts regardless of differing experimental housing conditions [1].

Animals in enriched environments received enhanced opportunities for physical activity, exploration, and social interaction compared to standard housing [1]. According to the study published in Molecular Neurobiology, the recurring expression patterns were heavily concentrated in genes governing synaptic structures and synaptic plasticity [1]. These processes dictate how neuronal connections adapt their functional strength in response to external stimulation [1].

## AP-1 Complex Activation

The meta-analysis highlighted genes involved in rapid responses to neuronal activity, particularly the Fos and Jun gene families [1]. These families encode proteins that assemble into the AP-1 transcription factor complex, which acts as a regulatory hub for downstream genes linked to synaptic remodeling [1]. These findings corroborate earlier experimental research by the team demonstrating in mice that the AP-1 complex mediates long-lasting changes in cognitive ability triggered by early-life experience [1].

## The mEEtaBrain Database

To facilitate further research, the authors developed mEEtaBrain, an open-access web application containing the processed meta-analysis data [1]. The tool allows researchers to filter gene expression profiles by specific genes, analytical criteria, and brain regions [1]. The authors emphasized that the identified expression signatures reflect rodent models and cannot be directly translated to humans without further causal validation [1].

## Sources

1. [EurekAlert](https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1150499)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-bee0af385ff2f673d4b00af3_meta_analysis_identifies/