PKA restricts ERK signaling in learning and memory Kenyon cell neurons.

ABSTRACT: Protein Kinase A (PKA) and Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase (ERK) have core roles in learning and memory. Here, we investigate kinase-kinase signaling interactions in the Drosophila brain Kenyon cell learning/memory circuit using separation of phases-based activity reporter of kinase (SPARK) biosensors to image circuit-localized functions in vivo. We find that constitutively active Rapidly Accelerated Fibrosarcoma (RAF^gof) enhances ERK signaling only in Kenyon cell domains with low baseline PKA signaling, and that transgenic inhibition of PKA function elevates ERK signaling. Conversely, loss of ERK has no impact on PKA signaling, whereas RAF^gof expands PKA signaling. Importantly, transgenic PKA inhibition together with RAF^gof synergistically elevates E

SUBMITTER: Sears JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12548963 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature