The roles of protein kinases in learning and memory

Abstract

In the adult mammalian brain, more than 250 protein kinases are expressed, but only a few of these kinases are currently known to enable learning and memory. Based on this information it appears that learning and memory-related kinases either impact on synaptic transmission by altering ion channel properties or ion channel density, or regulate gene expression and protein synthesis causing structural changes at existing synapses as well as synaptogenesis. Here, we review the roles of these kinases in short-term memory formation, memory consolidation, memory storage, retrieval, reconsolidation, and extinction. Specifically, we discuss the roles of calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII

Morphine-induced synaptic plasticity in the VTA is reversed by HDAC inhibition

“…The opposing actions of kinases such as protein kinase A (PKA) and phosphatases such as calcineurin (CaN) regulate synaptic insertion and maintenance of AMPARs and GABA A Rs during synaptic plasticity through phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of synaptic receptors (Luscher and Keller 2004;Sanderson and Dell'acqua 2011). In fact, CaN seems to be a negative regulator of memory, whereas PKA activity enhances learning and memory (Giese and Mizuno 2013;Malleret et al 2001). CaN overexpression also prevents behavioral sensitization to amphetamine and morphine, suggesting that decreased CaN expression and activity at glutamatergic synapses may allow PKA activity to favor glutamatergic LTP underlying sensitization (Biala et al 2005).…”

Prion Protein Modulates Monoaminergic Systems and Depressive-like Behavior in Mice

“…For example, SB-699551-A had no effect in the forced swim test, but induced sedation in rats (87), and, whereas increased cAMP has been linked to positive effects on memory consolidation (88), an impairment of this trait was reported by other investigators, in mice treated with the same 5HT5A antagonist (89). Furthermore, 5HT5A has been identified as an inhibitory autoreceptor that regulates the release of serotonin, if only in the absence of concurrent signaling through 5HT1A receptors (90).…”

Strain Differences in Presynaptic Function

“…However, CAPRI and RASAL1 have been found to act as a Ca 2ϩ sensor by in vitro characterization; upon an increase of free intracellular calcium, they become associated with the plasma membrane, which increases their catalytic activity to locally deactivate Ras (39,44). The translocation of RASAL1 to the membrane is reversible and occurs in synchrony with the frequency of Ca 2ϩ oscillations, a behavior known from other "decoders" of calcium signals involved in memory formation as follows: PKC, calmodulin, and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (45)(46)(47)(48)(49). More importantly, RASAL1 contains two N-terminal C2 domains (C2A and C2B) that have high sequence homology with the synaptotagmin protein family.…”