Jpn. J. Pharmacol. 79 (1), 7-15 (1999)


Current Perspective
Current Studies on a Working Model of CaM Kinase II in Hippocampal Long-Term Potentiation and Memory

Kohji Fukunaga and Eishichi Miyamoto


Department of Pharmacology, Kumamoto University School of Medicine, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan


Abstract: There have been recent advances in understanding the molecular basis of the long-term potentiation (LTP) of synaptic transmission in the hippocampus. This review documents current views on mechanisms underlying LTP induction, from activation of the NMDA receptor to stimulation of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II). We will focus in particular on recent findings of how CaM kinase II encodes the frequency of synaptic usage and serves as a molecular memory switch at the synapse. Furthermore, a role for CaM kinase II in spatial learning and memory is demonstrated by recent studies using transgenic mice.


Keywords: Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, Long-term potentiation, Long-term depression, Hippocampus, Spatial learning


Copyright© The Japanese Pharmacological Society 1999

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