Work

Calcium sensor regulation of the Ca V 2.1 Ca 2+ channel contributes to long-term potentiation and spatial learning

Year: 2016

Type: article

Abstract: Significance Learning and memory are caused by changes in strength of communication between neurons at synapses. Both brief changes (short-term plasticity) and long-lasting changes (long-term plasticity) are important. Synaptic transmission is initiated by calcium channels, which are regulated by calcium-sensor proteins that induce short-term synaptic plasticity. We studied genetically modified mice with a mutation in the binding site for calcium-sensor proteins on calcium channels, which alters short-term synaptic plasticity. Surprisingly, we found that synapses in the hippocampus of these mice also have impaired long-term potentiation. In addition, these mutant mice have impaired spatial learning and memory. Our results show that disruption of calcium-channel regulation by calcium-sensor proteins alters both short-term and long-term plasticity, and these changes impair spatial learning and memory.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1616206113

Authors: Evanthia Nanou, Todd Scheuer, William A. Catterall

Institution: University of Washington

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze