CAMP response element-binding protein

Definition

cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) is a cellular transcription factor that is crucial for regulating gene expression in response to various signaling pathways, particularly those activated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). CREB plays a vital role in cellular processes such as neuronal plasticity and memory formation by binding to specific DNA sequences called cAMP response elements, which initiate the transcription of target genes when phosphorylated.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CREB is activated through phosphorylation by various kinases, including protein kinase A (PKA), which occurs in response to elevated levels of cAMP.
2. Phosphorylated CREB binds to cAMP response elements in the promoter regions of target genes, enhancing their transcription and promoting cellular responses.
3. CREB has been shown to play a significant role in long-term potentiation (LTP), a process essential for memory formation and synaptic strengthening.
4. The regulation of CREB activity can be influenced by various signaling pathways, including those involving neurotrophic factors like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
5. Dysregulation of CREB has been linked to several neurological disorders, including depression and schizophrenia, indicating its importance in maintaining proper brain function.

Review Questions

• How does the phosphorylation of CREB influence its role in gene expression?
  • Phosphorylation activates CREB, allowing it to bind to cAMP response elements located in the promoter regions of target genes. This binding enhances the transcription of these genes, leading to changes in cellular function. The phosphorylation state acts as a molecular switch that determines whether CREB can initiate the gene expression required for processes like neuronal plasticity and memory formation.
• What are the implications of CREB's involvement in long-term potentiation for learning and memory?
  • CREB's role in long-term potentiation (LTP) is crucial for the processes underlying learning and memory. When synapses are repeatedly activated, increased cAMP levels lead to the phosphorylation of CREB. This results in the transcription of genes that encode proteins necessary for strengthening synaptic connections. Therefore, CREB is essential for establishing and maintaining the neural circuits involved in memory storage.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of dysregulated CREB activity on neurological health and disease.
  • Dysregulated CREB activity can have significant implications for neurological health, contributing to conditions such as depression and schizophrenia. When CREB function is impaired, the normal transcriptional responses necessary for synaptic plasticity and neural communication may be disrupted. This can lead to deficiencies in learning and memory processes, illustrating how crucial proper CREB regulation is for maintaining cognitive function and emotional stability in the brain.

Related terms

cAMP: Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is a secondary messenger that transmits signals within cells, often activating protein kinases like PKA that phosphorylate target proteins.

Transcription Factors: Proteins that bind to specific DNA sequences and regulate the transcription of genes, influencing cell function and response to stimuli.

Synaptic Plasticity:

The ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity, which is fundamental for learning and memory.