Overexpression of hippocampal Ca 2+ /calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II improves spatial memory

Hippocampal α‐calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (αCaMKII) has been implicated in neuronal plasticity and spatial learning. In the present experiment, an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector was designed to express αCaMKII driven by the U6 promotor. Microinfusion of this vector into the r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of neuroscience research 2007-03, Vol.85 (4), p.735-739
Main Authors: Poulsen, D.J., Standing, D., Bullshields, K., Spencer, K., Micevych, P.E., Babcock, A.M.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Hippocampal α‐calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (αCaMKII) has been implicated in neuronal plasticity and spatial learning. In the present experiment, an adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vector was designed to express αCaMKII driven by the U6 promotor. Microinfusion of this vector into the rat hippocampus increased αCaMKII immunoreactivity by ∼73% (Western analysis) and improved performance in a water maze task. Locomotor activity and exploratory behavior in an open field task were not altered by the overexpression of αCaMKII. These data support a role for αCaMKII in spatial or explicit memory storage. The advantages of viral vectors for manipulating target proteins expression compared with genetically modified mouse models are discussed. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ISSN:0360-4012
1097-4547
DOI:10.1002/jnr.21163