# Activity-dependent regulation of CaMKII and synaptic plasticity

> **NIH NIH R37** · BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY · 2022 · $406,250

## Abstract

Abstract
Memories of salient events in our lives are part of what makes us individuals. CaMKII has been shown to be
required in both vertebrates and invertebrates for short-term (STM) and long-term memory (LTM). CaMKII
protein is enriched at synapses, and is synthesized locally in response to activity patterns that lead to LTM
formation. Both of these features require specific sequences present in the distal untranslated part of the
CaMKII mRNA. In spite of extensive work on local translation of CaMKII, several fundamental questions
remain unanswered:
Is there a requirement for somatic factors in local translation? We will disrupt the connection between
the cell body and the synapse to test whether transport of somatic material to the synapse is required for
activity-stimulated local synthesis of CaMKII.
How is the information specifying local translation encoded in mRNA? Using transgenes encoding
fluorescent reporters and real-time assays of new protein synthesis, we will determine what sequences are
required for CaMKII synaptic localization and activity-dependent translation.
What are the cellular components that read this information? We will do a bioinformatically-driven
candidate gene screen in parallel with RNA affinity purification to identify proteins that regulate basal and
plasticity-stimulated CaMKII accumulation.
How does disruption of local translation of CaMKII affect LTM? We will use conditional genome editing
to remove mRNA sequences that specify local translation or to replace them with specific mutants. We will
determine which cells in the adult learning circuit use this information during LTM formation.
This project utilizes cutting-edge genetic, cell biological and optical methods to address the molecular basis
of a phylogenetically-conserved mechanism of plasticity in a way that will further our understanding of
complex behaviors.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10412935
- **Project number:** 5R37NS112810-04
- **Recipient organization:** BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Leslie C Griffith
- **Activity code:** R37 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $406,250
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-15 → 2023-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10412935

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10412935, Activity-dependent regulation of CaMKII and synaptic plasticity (5R37NS112810-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10412935. Licensed CC0.

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