Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Presynaptically Silent Synapses Studied with Light Microscopy
Published on: January 4, 2010
CaM-kinases: modulators of synaptic plasticity
1Vollum Institute, L-474 Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR 97201, USA. soderlit@ohsu.edu
Abstract:
Calcium signaling is crucial for several aspects of plasticity at glutamatergic synapses, and studies over the past two to three years have identified key functions for Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases II and IV (CaM-KII and CaM-KIV). Sustained activation of CaM-KII localized at the postsynaptic density results in phosphorylation of numerous synaptic substrates including ion channels, other signaling molecules and scaffolding proteins, to modulate synaptic transmission within minutes. More prolonged responses may be effected through enhanced dendritic protein synthesis of CaM-KII and regulation of nuclear gene transcription by CaM-KIV.
Related Concept Videos
Long-term Potentiation
Long-term Potentiation
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when presynaptic neurons...
MAPK Signaling Cascades
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways
Calmodulin-dependent Signaling
The Ca2+-CaM complex does not have enzymatic activity by itself. Instead, the complex binds downstream target proteins, including membrane proteins or enzymes,...
Antiepileptic Drugs: Modulators of Neurotransmitter Release Mediated by SV2A Protein
SV2A is a transmembrane glycoprotein located predominantly in the brain, modulating the release of neurotransmitters for neuronal communication. Both levetiracetam and brivaracetam exhibit a high affinity for...

