Small G proteins exhibit pattern sensitivity in MAPK activation during the induction of memory and synaptic facilitation in Aplysia.

ABSTRACT: Memory formation is highly sensitive to specific patterns of training, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pattern sensitivity are not well understood. We explored this general question by using Aplysia californica as a model system. We examined the regulation of MAPK (ERK1/2) activation by small G proteins in the CNS by using different patterns of analog stimuli that mimic different patterns of behavioral training for memory induction. We first cloned and characterized the Aplysia homologs of the small G proteins, Ras and Rap1 (ApRas and ApRap, respectively). We next examined changes in ApRas and ApRap activity that accompany MAPK activation. Last, by delivering recombinant ApRas and ApRap into the CNS, we directly manipulated their activity and examined the resultant MAP

SUBMITTER: Ye X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2629267 | biostudies-literature | 2008 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature