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Cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB)-like proteins in a molluscan brain: cellular localization and
Maria J Ribeiro1, Zoltán Serfozo, Andrea Papp
1Sussex Centre for Neuroscience, School of Biological Sciences, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, UK.
The European Journal of Neuroscience
|September 6, 2003
Summary
A CREB1-like protein in Lymnaea CNS is crucial for long-term memory (LTM). Its phosphorylation increases with learning and memory formation, confirming its conserved role in LTM.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and DNA binding are vital for long-term memory (LTM).
- Lymnaea CNS is a model for studying learning and memory mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a CREB1-like protein in Lymnaea CNS.
- To investigate the role of CREB1 in LTM formation in Lymnaea.
Main Methods:
- Demonstrated cAMP response element (CRE)-binding activity in Lymnaea CNS extracts.
- Utilized a polyclonal antibody against mammalian CREB1 to detect CREB1 and phospho-CREB1 immunoreactivity.
- Administered forskolin to assess changes in phospho-CREB1 levels.
- Applied classical food-reward conditioning to evaluate phospho-CREB1 changes in response to learning.
Main Results:
- Identified and characterized a CREB1-like protein in Lymnaea CNS, recognized by an antibody to human CREB1.
- Showed increased phospho-CREB1 immunoreactivity in CNS neurons upon forskolin stimulation.
- Observed a significant increase in phospho-CREB1 immunoreactivity in Lymnaea CNS following classical conditioning, specifically in ganglia involved in feeding circuitry.
Conclusions:
- Established the presence of a highly conserved, functional CREB1-like protein in the Lymnaea CNS.
- This finding supports the role of CREB proteins in LTM formation and provides a basis for further research in this model system.