BIOPHYSICAL THEORY AND MODELING |
A Model of the Roles of Essential Kinases in the Induction and Expression of Late Long-Term Potentiation
Paul D. Smolen 1, Douglas A Baxter 1 and John H Byrne 1*
1 University of Texas Medical School
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: john.h.byrne{at}uth.tmc.edu.
Submitted on August 10, 2005
Revised on September 21, 2005
Accepted on 3 January 2006
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Abstract |
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The induction of late long-term potentiation (L-LTP) involves complex interactions among second messenger cascades. To gain insights into these interactions, a mathematical model was developed for L-LTP induction in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. The differential equation-based model represents actions of protein kinase A (PKA), MAP kinase (MAPK), and CaM kinase II (CAMKII) in the vicinity of the synapse, and activation of transcription by CaM kinase IV (CAMKIV) and MAPK. L-LTP is represented by increases in a synaptic weight. Simulations suggest that steep, supralinear stimulus-response relationships between stimuli (e.g., elevations in [Ca2+]) and kinase activation are essential for translating brief stimuli into long-lasting gene activation and synaptic weight increases. Convergence of multiple kinase activities to induce L-LTP helps to generate a threshold whereby the amount of L-LTP varies steeply with the number of brief (tetanic) electrical stimuli. The model simulates tetanic, theta-burst, pairing-induced, and chemical L-LTP, as well as L-LTP due to synaptic tagging. The model also simulates inhibition of L-LTP by inhibition of MAPK, CAMKII, PKA, or CAMKIV. The model predicts results of experiments to delineate mechanisms underlying L-LTP induction and expression. For example, the cAMP antagonist RpcAMPs, which inhibits L-LTP induction, is predicted to inhibit ERK activation. The model also appears useful to clarify similarities and differences between hippocampal L-LTP and long-term synaptic strengthening in other systems.
Key Words:
CaM kinase, LTP, MAP kinase, gene expression, long-term potentiation, simulation
