pT305-CaMKII stabilizes a learning-induced increase in AMPA receptors for ongoing memory consolidation after classical conditioning

Nat Commun. 2014 May 30:5:3967. doi: 10.1038/ncomms4967.

Abstract

The role of CaMKII in learning-induced activation and trafficking of AMPA receptors (AMPARs) is well established. However, the link between the phosphorylation state of CaMKII and the agonist-triggered proteasomal degradation of AMPARs during memory consolidation remains unknown. Here we describe a novel CaMKII-dependent mechanism by which a learning-induced increase in AMPAR levels is stabilized for consolidation of associative long-term memory. Six hours after classical conditioning the levels of both autophosphorylated pT305-CaMKII and GluA1 type AMPAR subunits are significantly elevated in the ganglia containing the learning circuits of the snail Lymnaea stagnalis. CaMKIINtide treatment significantly reduces the learning-induced elevation of both pT305-CaMKII and GluA1 levels and impairs associative long-term memory. Inhibition of proteasomal activity offsets the deleterious effects of CaMKIINtide on both GluA1 levels and long-term memory. These findings suggest that increased levels of pT305-CaMKII play a role in AMPAR-dependent memory consolidation by reducing proteasomal degradation of GluA1 receptor subunits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2 / metabolism*
  • Conditioning, Classical / physiology*
  • Learning / physiology
  • Lymnaea
  • Memory / physiology
  • Memory, Long-Term / physiology*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Receptors, AMPA / metabolism*

Substances

  • Receptors, AMPA
  • Calcium-Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase Type 2
  • glutamate receptor ionotropic, AMPA 1