Synaptic plasticity: a molecular memory switch

Curr Biol. 2001 Oct 2;11(19):R788-91. doi: 10.1016/s0960-9822(01)00472-9.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Potentiation / physiology
  • Memory / physiology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Receptors, AMPA / metabolism
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / metabolism*
  • Synapses / physiology*
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology

Substances

  • NR2B NMDA receptor
  • Receptors, AMPA
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinases