Researchers demonstrate the key role played by a protein in learning and memory
Learning and remembering are based on molecular mechanisms that are still poorly understood. According to some experts, information is stored in the brain and reactivated as required by strengthening synapses that link neurons together. The strength of these links depends on the abundance of neurotransmitters, receptors, and of all other molecules involved in chemical transmission of information. How do neurons manage to shuttle required resources to the synapses that are reinforced by learning and memory? Researchers from the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Bioinformatics, working at the Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, offer an answer to this question in the latest edition of the Journal of Cell Biology.
Mado Lemieux, Simon Labrecque, Christian Tardif, Étienne Labrie-Dion, Eric LeBel and Paul De Koninck made use of biophotonics techniques to visualize the movement of molecules in neurons during synaptic transmission. This is how they discovered the key role played by the protein CaM kinase II. “We already knew that this protein was involved in learning because mice that lack this protein learn more slowly than normal mice, said Professor De Koninck. Our observations show that CaM kinase II directs the flow of molecular materials from the center of the cell towards the active synapses. “
The CaM kinase II protein would be positioned at the junction of microtubules – rails that are used to transport proteins within cells – and spines – nanostructures located on the ramifications of neurons (dendrites) whose role is to receive chemical information from neighboring neurons. From this strategic position, it would direct the flow of molecular materials to active spines.
CaM kinase II is involved in many processes, including the secretion of neurotransmitters, memory and learning. It is among the most abundant proteins in neurons of the hippocampus, a brain region strongly involved in memory.
Source of text: Jean Hamann, Université Laval
Photo crédit: Marc Robitaille
Translation: J Poupart, CAN-ACN
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JCB: In This Issue CaMKII points the way
