The cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) is the key downstream participant of NO-mediated signaling pathways that regulates a range of cell-based processes, from smooth muscle relaxation to neuronal synaptic plasticity. However, its precise role during these cellular events has been difficult to evaluate due to the fact that its activity is spatially and temporally regulated. Standard techniques, such as the application of inhibitors or activators to cell populations, or ectopic overexpression of native or dominant negative mutants, are unable to probe issues related to both the when and where of protein kinase activity with respect to cellular events. The overall goal of this research program is to develop molecular tools to establish the intracellular dynamics of PKG activity during long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) of synaptic plasticity. As described in the first specific aim, we will prepare and evaluate PKG peptide substrates that display a phosphorylation-induced change in fluorescence in living cells. In the second specific aim, we describe the preparation of a PKG construct, as well as substrates and inhibitors of PKG, that are quiescent until activated by light. These species should prove useful in evaluating the temporal dynamics of intracellular PKG activity. Finally, we will employ the tools developed in specific aims 1 and 2 to sample intracellular PKG activity and assess its contribution as a biochemical mediator of LTD. A detailed understanding of the mechanisms underlying bi-directional long-term synaptic plasticity is a necessary step in unraveling its functional role(s) in neural development, processing and memory storage, as well as in treating diseases such as Alzheimer's that may involve deficits in these functions.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01NS048406-01A1
Application #
6873461
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BPC-B (02))
Program Officer
Stewart, Randall R
Project Start
2004-12-15
Project End
2008-11-30
Budget Start
2004-12-15
Budget End
2005-11-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$376,638
Indirect Cost
Name
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Department
Biochemistry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
110521739
City
Bronx
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10461
Agnes, Richard S; Jernigan, Finith; Shell, Jennifer R et al. (2010) Suborganelle sensing of mitochondrial cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity. J Am Chem Soc 132:6075-80
Priestman, Melanie A; Lawrence, David S (2010) Light-mediated remote control of signaling pathways. Biochim Biophys Acta 1804:547-58
Sharma, Vyas; Lawrence, David S (2009) Uber-responsive peptide-based sensors of signaling proteins. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 48:7290-2
Lee, Hsien-Ming; Larson, Daniel R; Lawrence, David S (2009) Illuminating the chemistry of life: design, synthesis, and applications of ""caged"" and related photoresponsive compounds. ACS Chem Biol 4:409-27
Sharma, Vyas; Wang, Qunzhao; Lawrence, David S (2008) Peptide-based fluorescent sensors of protein kinase activity: design and applications. Biochim Biophys Acta 1784:94-9
Sharma, Vyas; Agnes, Richard S; Lawrence, David S (2007) Deep quench: an expanded dynamic range for protein kinase sensors. J Am Chem Soc 129:2742-3