This image shows cells expressing actin-EGFP.
Images of cells expressing actin-EGFP. Credit University of Warwick.

Focus on Naturally Occurring Protein to Tackle Dementia

MK2/3 cascade plays a role in synaptic plasticity and cognition.

Scientists at the University of Warwick have provided the first evidence that the lack of a naturally occurring protein is linked to early signs of dementia.

Published in Nature Communications, the research found that the absence of the protein MK2/3 promotes structural and physiological changes to cells in the nervous system. These changes were shown to have a significant correlation with early signs of dementia, including restricted learning and memory formation capabilities.

An absence of MK2/3, in spite of the brain cells (neurons) having significant structural abnormalities, did not prevent memories being formed, but did prevent these memories from being altered.

The results have led the researchers to call for greater attention to be paid to studying MK2/3.

This image shows cells expressing actin-EGFP.
Images of cells expressing actin-EGFP. Credit University of Warwick.

Lead researcher and author Dr Sonia Corrêa says that “Understanding how the brain functions from the sub-cellular to systems level is vital if we are to be able to develop ways to counteract changes that occur with ageing.

“By demonstrating for the first time that the MK2/3 protein, which is essential for neuron communication, is required to fine-tune memory formation this study provides new insight into how molecular mechanisms regulate cognition”.

Neurons can adapt memories and make them more relevant to current situations by changing the way they communicate with other cells.

Information in the brain is transferred between neurons at synapses using chemicals (neurotransmitters) released from one (presynaptic) neuron which then act on receptors in the next (postsynaptic) neuron in the chain.

MK2/3 regulates the shape of spines in properly functioning postsynaptic neurons. Postsynaptic neurons with MK2/3 feature wider, shorter spines than those without.

The researchers found that change, caused by MK2/3’s absence, in the spine’s shape restricts the ability of neurons to communicate with each other, leading to alterations in the ability to acquire new memories.

The image shows postsynaptic neurons with and without MK2/3.
MK2/3 regulates the shape of spines in properly functioning postsynaptic neurons. Postsynaptic neurons with MK2/3 feature wider, shorter spines (Fig.1) than those without (Fig2). Credit University of Warwick.

“Deterioration of brain function commonly occurs as we get older but, as result of dementia or other neurodegenerative diseases, it can occur earlier in people’s lives”, says Dr Corrêa. “For those who develop the early signs of dementia it becomes more difficult for them to adapt to changes in their life, including performing routine tasks.

“For example, washing the dishes; if you have washed them by hand your whole life and then buy a dishwasher it can be difficult for those people who are older or have dementia to acquire the new memories necessary to learn how to use the machine and mentally replace the old method of washing dishes with the new. The change in shape of the postsynaptic neuron due to absence of MK2/3 is strongly correlated with this inability to acquire the new memories”.

Dr Corrêa argues that “Given their vital role in memory formation, MK2/3 pathways are important potential pharmaceutical targets for the treatment of cognitive deficits associated with ageing and dementia.”

Notes about this neuroscience research

The research was supported by the BBSRC.

Contact: Dr Sonia Corrêa – University of Warwick
Source: University of Warwick press release
Image Source: The images are credited to University of Warwick and are adapted from the press release
Original Research: Full open access research for “The ​MK2/3 cascade regulates AMPAR trafficking and cognitive flexibility” by Katherine L. Eales, Oleg Palygin, Thomas O’Loughlin, Seyed Rasooli-Nejad, Matthias Gaestel, Jürgen Müller, Dawn R. Collins, Yuriy Pankratov and Sonia A.L. Corrêa in Nature Communications. Published online August 19 2014 doi:10.1038/ncomms5701

Open Access Neuroscience Abstract

The ​MK2/3 cascade regulates AMPAR trafficking and cognitive flexibility

The interplay between long-term potentiation and long-term depression (LTD) is thought to be involved in learning and memory formation. One form of LTD expressed in the hippocampus is initiated by the activation of the group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Importantly, mGluRs have been shown to be critical for acquisition of new memories and for reversal learning, processes that are thought to be crucial for cognitive flexibility. Here we provide evidence that MAPK-activated protein kinases 2 and 3 (​MK2/3) regulate neuronal spine morphology, synaptic transmission and plasticity. Furthermore, mGluR-LTD is impaired in the hippocampus of ​MK2/3 double knockout (DKO) mice, an observation that is mirrored by deficits in endocytosis of ​GluA1 subunits. Consistent with compromised mGluR-LTD, ​MK2/3 DKO mice have distinctive deficits in hippocampal-dependent spatial reversal learning. These novel findings demonstrate that the ​MK2/3 cascade plays a strategic role in controlling synaptic plasticity and cognition.

“The ​MK2/3 cascade regulates AMPAR trafficking and cognitive flexibility” by Katherine L. Eales, Oleg Palygin, Thomas O’Loughlin, Seyed Rasooli-Nejad, Matthias Gaestel, Jürgen Müller, Dawn R. Collins, Yuriy Pankratov and Sonia A.L. Corrêa in Nature Communications, August 19 2014 doi:10.1038/ncomms5701.

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