Signal right to learn correctly: The role of transmembrane adaptor PAG in brain

Synaptic plasticity is regulated by tyrosine phosphorylation of synaptic receptors and signaling molecules. The Src family kinases (SFK) Src and Fyn play a crucial role in phosphorylating regulatory tyrosines of the NMDA-receptor subunits NR2A und NR2B, thereby controlling calcium entry following receptor activation. Decreases in SFK activity in PTPalpha –/– mice or loss of Fyn activity in Fyn–/– mice impair long-term potentiation (LTP). Compartmentalisation of neurotransmitter receptors and associated signaling molecules to specific membrane domains e.g. lipid rafts is achieved by scaffolding molecules and appe…