抄録
Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 4(CaMK4)is a protein kinase that activates the transcription factor, cAMP response- element binding protein (CREB). CaMK4 has been hypothesized to play a significant role in synaptic plasticity and in learning and memory. However, functions of CaMK4 in a variety of behaviors, e.g., motor function, nociception, fear, anxiety, depression, learning and so on, have not yet been fully elucidated. To gain more insight into behavioral significance of CaMK4, we subjected CaMK4 -/- mice to a battery of behavioral tests, including neurological screen, light/dark transition, open field, elevated plus maze, social interaction, rotarod, hot plate, prepulse inhibition, Porsolt forced swim, 8-armed radial maze, Barnes maze, fear conditioning, latent inhibition, and passive avoidance tests. CaMK4 -/- mice exhibited increased social interaction in home cage. They did not display any deficit in spatial reference memory and working memory tests, but had mild performance deficit in fear conditioning tests. These results indicated selective and specific involvement of CaMK4 in regulating emotional behaviors. [J Physiol Sci. 2006;56 Suppl:S62]
