In Aplysia, the activation of MAPK is required for certain forms of long-lasting synaptic facilitation and memory for sensitization. Moreover, multiple serotonin (5-HT) pulses, as well as, memory inducing stimuli (repeated tail shocks) produce sustained MAPK activation. However, several key questions remain unanswered. For instance: (1) What are the temporal dynamics of 5-HT induced MAPK activation? (2) What additional pathways are responsible for MAPK activation? (3) Do activity-dependent intermediate-term synaptic facilitation (ITF) and memory for sensitization (ITM) require MAPK activity? and (4) Do long-term synaptic facilitation (LTF) and memory for sensitization (LTM) require persistent MAPK activation? These questions form the core of this proposal. Specific phases of investigation will consist of molecular, synaptic and behavioral levels of analyses. The molecular phase of the project will examine the mechanisms of calcium dependent MAPK activation, and 5-HT induced persistent MAPK activity. The functional consequences of these dual activation pathways will be investigated at the synaptic and behavioral levels of analyses. Two hypotheses will be tested: (1) That calcium dependent MAPK activation is specifically required for activity-dependent ITF and ITM, and (2) that persistent MAPK activation is selectively recruited for the induction of LTF and LTM.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31MH070065-01
Application #
6737809
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-F03A (20))
Program Officer
Desmond, Nancy L
Project Start
2003-09-15
Project End
2005-09-14
Budget Start
2003-09-15
Budget End
2004-09-14
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$28,308
Indirect Cost
Name
University of California Irvine
Department
Other Basic Sciences
Type
Schools of Arts and Sciences
DUNS #
046705849
City
Irvine
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
92697