What does CaM kinase II do?

Ca2+/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM)-dependent protein kinases are important mediators of signal transduction events triggered by stimuli that increase intracellular levels of free [Ca2+].

Where is camk2 expressed?

hippocampus
Overall, CaMKIIα -GFP expression is strong and highly heterogeneous, with the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus as the most abundantly expressed region. In the hippocampus, around 70% of granule and pyramidal neurons expressed strong GFP.

What is CaMKII promoter?

About CaMKII Promoter: Calcium / Calmodulin-dependent protein Kinase II (CaMKII) is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase that is regulated by the Ca2+/calmodulin complex. CaMKII promoter were used for transgene expression to obtain preferential gene expression in CNS for the excitatory neuron populations.

What is a kinase II II?

CaM kinase II, a multifunctional Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase, is expressed in the pancreatic beta-cell and is activated by glucose and other secretagogues in a manner correlating with insulin secretion.

What activates CaM kinase?

Once calcium concentrations in the cell rise, CAM kinases become saturated and bind the maximum of four calcium molecules. This calcium saturation activates the kinase and allows it to undergo a conformational change which permits the kinase to bind to its phosphorylation target sites.

Can a kinase phosphorylate itself?

Autophosphorylation is a type of post-translational modification of proteins. It is generally defined as the phosphorylation of the kinase by itself. The latter often occurs when kinase molecules dimerize. In general, the phosphate groups introduced are gamma phosphates from nucleoside triphosphates, most commonly ATP.

What does kinase mean?

Listen to pronunciation. (KY-nays) A type of enzyme (a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body) that adds chemicals called phosphates to other molecules, such as sugars or proteins. This may cause other molecules in the cell to become either active or inactive.

How is Cam kinase II activated?

CaMKII is activated by calcium/calmodulin, but it is maintained by autophosphorylation. CaMKII is activated by the NMDA-receptor-mediated Calcium elevation that occurs during LTP induction. Activation is accompanied by phosphorylation of both the alpha and beta-subunits and Thr286/287.

What kind of enzyme is a kinase?

Kinase is a kind of enzyme that transfers phosphate groups from high-energy donor molecules (such as ATP) to specific target molecules (substrates). This process is called phosphorylation.

How do kinase inhibitors work?

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) block chemical messengers (enzymes) called tyrosine kinases. Tyrosine kinases help to send growth signals in cells, so blocking them stops the cell growing and dividing. Cancer growth blockers can block one type of tyrosine kinase or more than one type.

What is the purpose of kinase?

Kinases are used extensively to transmit signals and regulate complex processes in cells. Phosphorylation of molecules can enhance or inhibit their activity and modulate their ability to interact with other molecules.

Which kinase is involved in learning and memory?

CaMKII Isoforms in Learning and Memory: Localization and Function. Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is a key protein kinase in neural plasticity and memory, as have been shown in several studies since the first evidence in long-term potentiation (LTP) 30 years ago.

Where is the α CaM kinase 2 promoter located?

A functional analysis of α CaM kinase II promoter deletion mutants fused to a reporter gene in neuroblastoma revealed strong transcriptional activity localized at bp −199 to −100. On the other hand, the promoter is inactive in non-neuronal cells, indicating that it is neuronal cell type-specific.

How does ZIC2 cDNA affect the promoter activity?

To investigate the effect of Zic2 on the promoter activity, Zic2 cDNA was expressed with a luciferase reporter gene containing a neuronal cell type-specific promoter of α CaM kinase II in neuronal and non-neuronal cells. The promoter activity of α CaM kinase II was enhanced 1.3–5-fold in cultured neuronal cells by Zic2.

How does the presence of calcium allow CaMK II to activate?

Figure 1 shows how the presence of calcium or calmodulin allows for the activation of CAM kinases (CAMK II). All kinases have a common structure of a catalytic core including an ATP binding site along with a larger substrate binding site. The catalytic core is typically composed of β-strands with the substrate binding site composed of α-helices.

How are CAMKs involved in the regulation of transcription factors?

CAMKs are activated by increases in the concentration of intracellular calcium ions (Ca 2+) and transfers phosphates from ATP to defined serine or threonine residues in other proteins. Activated CAMK is involved in the phosphorylation of transcription factors and therefore, in the regulation of expression of responding genes.