Cadherin–catenin complex in learning and memory
Long-term Potentiation (LTP), thought to be the cellular basis for learning and memory, involves a specific signal transmission process that underlies synaptic plasticity.[1] Among the many mechanisms responsible for the maintenance of synaptic plasticity is the cadherin/catenin complex. [2] By forming complexes with intracellular catenin proteins, neural cadherins (N-cadherins) serve as a link between synaptic activity and synaptic plasticity, and play important roles in the processes of learning and memory.
N-cadherins are believed to be involved in mediating LTP and the synaptic changes underlying learning and memory. During embryonic development, cadherins are initially widely distributed, but they become gradually more localized to pre- and post-synaptic sites while synapses are being formed.[3] Blocking cadherin function with specific proteins does not affect basal synaptic properties, but it can impair the induction of LTP.[4]
References
- ^ Bliss, TVP (1993). "synaptic model of memory: long-term potentiation in the hippocampus". Nature. 361: 31–39.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Raduolovic, J (2007). "N-Cadherin regulates cytoskeletally associated IQGAP1/ERK signaling and memory formation". J. Neuro. 55 (5): 786–798.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Benson, DL (1998). "N-cadherin redistribution during synaptogensis in hippocampal neurons". J. Neuro. 18: 6892–6904.
{{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ Tang, L (1998). "A role for the cadherin family of cell adhesion molecules in hippocampal long-term potentiation". Neuron. 17: 423–434.
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