Work

Synaptic memory survives molecular turnover

Year: 2022

Type: article

Abstract: Activation of Ca 2+ /calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) plays a critical role in long-term potentiation (LTP), a long accepted cellular model for learning and memory. However, how LTP and memories survive the turnover of synaptic proteins, particularly CaMKII, remains a mystery. Here, we take advantage of the finding that constitutive Ca 2+ -independent CaMKII activity, acquired prior to slice preparation, provides a lasting memory trace at synapses. In slice culture, this persistent CaMKII activity, in the absence of Ca 2+ stimulation, remains stable over a 2-wk period, well beyond the turnover of CaMKII protein. We propose that the nascent CaMKII protein present at 2 wk acquired its activity from preexisting active CaMKII molecules, which transferred their activity to newly synthesized CaMKII molecules and thus maintain the memory in the face of protein turnover.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2211572119

Authors: Joel Lee, Xiumin Chen, Roger A. Nicoll

Institution: University of California, San Francisco

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, National Institute of Mental Health

Awards: G5460072697, The synaptic cleft and glutamate receptor trafficking