Exchange of information between nerve cells takes place in the synapse。Long-term suppression of transmission efficiency of synaptic (LTD) is、Is the foundation process of learning and memory in the brain。In the cerebellum、Cerebellar granule cells by learning - LTD in synaptic transmission between Purkinje cells)It plays an essential role in memory to be involved in the movement that occurs (such as dexterity and timing)。LTD In general postsynaptic neurons、Caused by a reduction in the number of AMPA receptor to receive the glutamic acid。Features of cerebellar LTD is、It is to require delta type 2 glutamate receptor specifically present in Purkinje cells in addition to。The cause and mechanism had been left for many years remains a mystery。Finally succeeded in solving this mystery in this paper。Delta 2 receptors by controlling the phosphorylation state of the AMPA receptor、It was found that acts as a so-called master key to determine whether or not occur or LTD occurs。

In this study, Drs. Kohda and Kakegawa showed that the serine phosphorylation of AMPA receptors required prior dephosphorylation of the nearby tyrosine residue. By interaction with a tyrosine phosphatase, δ2 glutamate receptors regulated tyrosine dephosphorylation status of GluA2 to gate inducibility of LTD. These findings will provide better understanding of general mechanisms regulating AMPA receptor endocytosis during synaptic plasticity. This paper has been published in PNAS.。For Press releaseClick here. 。

02/20/2013 9:22 AM | What's New