Work

Genetic and Pharmacological Evidence for a Novel, Intermediate Phase of Long-Term Potentiation Suppressed by Calcineurin

Year: 1998

Type: article

Abstract: To investigate the role of phosphatases in synaptic plasticity using genetic approaches, we generated transgenic mice that overexpress a truncated form of calcineurin under the control of the CaMKIIalpha promoter. Mice expressing this transgene show increased calcium-dependent phosphatase activity in the hippocampus. Physiological studies of these mice and parallel pharmacological experiments in wild-type mice reveal a novel, intermediate phase of LTP (I-LTP) in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. This intermediate phase differs from E-LTP by requiring multiple trains for induction and in being dependent on PKA. It differs from L-LTP in not requiring new protein synthesis. These data suggest that calcineurin acts as an inhibitory constraint on I-LTP that is relieved by PKA. This inhibitory constraint acts as a gate to regulate the synaptic induction of L-LTP.

Source: Cell

DOI: 10.1016/s0092-8674(00)80896-x

Authors: Danny G Winder, Isabelle M Mansuy, Mona Osman, Theodore M Moallem, Eric R Kandel

Institutions: Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $11,400