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Updated: Jul 31, 2026

Light-mediated Reversible Modulation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway during Cell Differentiation and Xenopus Embryonic Development
09:32

Light-mediated Reversible Modulation of the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway during Cell Differentiation and Xenopus Embryonic Development

Published on: June 15, 2017

CREB signaling--timing is everything

S Impey1, R H Goodman

  • 1Vollum Institute, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR 97201, USA. impeys@ohsu.edu

Science'S STKE : Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment
|December 26, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Neuronal depolarization alters gene expression via pathways converging on CREB protein. Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways are key, while calmodulin kinase IV

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Signaling

Background:

  • Neuronal depolarization influences gene expression critical for synaptic plasticity, neuronal differentiation, and apoptosis.
  • Understanding the regulation of gene transcription in response to neuronal activity and calcium signaling is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss opposing models of gene transcription regulation following neuronal activity.
  • To highlight the convergence of signaling pathways on CREB protein.
  • To address the ongoing debate regarding calmodulin kinase IV involvement.

Main Methods:

  • Review and discussion of existing literature and models.
  • Analysis of signaling pathways including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and calmodulin kinase IV.
  • Focus on the role of cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB) protein.

Main Results:

  • Neuronal activity and calcium influx trigger signaling cascades that regulate gene transcription.
  • Multiple pathways converge on the transcription factor CREB.
  • Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways play a significant role in this regulation.

Conclusions:

  • The regulation of neuronal gene expression is a complex process involving multiple converging pathways.
  • CREB protein is a central mediator in translating neuronal activity into gene expression changes.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of specific kinases like calmodulin kinase IV.

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