Synaptic plasticity: a molecular memory switch.
Recent work shows that two molecules with major roles in synaptic plasticity--CaMKII and the NMDA receptor--bind to each other. This binding activates CaMKII and triggers its autophosphorylation. In this state, it may act as a memory switch and strengthen synapses through enzymatic and structural processes.
Lisman
J E
JE
Department of Biology and Volen Center for Complex Systems, Brandeis University, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453, USA.
McIntyre
C C
CC
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D054732:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2; D017871:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D017774:Long-Term Potentiation / Q000502:physiology; D008568:Memory / Q000502:physiology*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009473:Neuronal Plasticity / Q000502:physiology*; D010766:Phosphorylation; D018091:Receptors, AMPA / Q000378:metabolism; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000378:metabolism*; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology
C121001:NR2B NMDA receptor; D018091:Receptors, AMPA; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; D054732:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2; D017871:Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases