Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
with short-term memory and more lasting changes have been associated with long-term
memory in the mature neuron. To understand these modifications at the molecular level, it is
important to find and characterize the“memory molecules” and “memory apparatus or
memory forming apparatus”in the brain. Synaptic plasticity depends on proper regulation of
synaptic proteins, many of which can be rapidly regulated by
phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. These synaptic phosphoproteins play a role in regulating
both pre- and post-synaptic functions.
Figure 1. Structure of CaMKII (Kanaseki, et al. 1991).
A
, domain structure of
α
and
β
CaMKII.
CaMKII is composed of three distinct functional domains, catalytic, regulatory, and association
domains.The two isoforms are highly conserved.
B
, a high magnification electron micrograph of
α
CaMKII having 10 peripheral particles. An
arrow
indicates the linker, which is a thin projection linking
peripheral and central particles.
C
, binding of
α
CaMKII with calmodulin. Calmodulin molecules
(CaM) associated with the peripheral particles (P) from the outside. (
inset
) Two molecules of
calmodulin are observed covering a peripheral particle (P').
