Honors Theses
Date of Award
2018
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Biomolecular Sciences
First Advisor
Nicole Ashpole
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
CaM Kinase II (Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II) is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase enzyme that acts as a critical regulator of learning and memory. It has previously been shown that the inability of CaMKII to maintain activation is connected to memory deficits within the aging brain. While the connection between CaMKII dysfunction and learning and memory impairments is well established, little is known about the changes that cause CaMKII dysfunction. Our research set out to investigate if CaMKII is altered during the process of aging. Specifically, we looked at activity, regulation, and stability by conducting experiments to quantify CaMKII levels of activity and protein expression in both young and aged mouse hippocampi. We hypothesized that when compared to young mouse hippocampi, aged mouse hippocampi would have lower levels of total CaMKII activity, lower levels of phosphorylated CaMKII expression, and increased levels of CaMKII inhibitor expression. The impact of our research lies in the illumination of the mechanisms causing CaMKII dysfunction. By casting light on the process of CaMKII dysfunction, we will help future researchers to establish a possible therapeutic target in the fight against learning and memory impairments.
Recommended Citation
Mitchum, James, "Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Activity and Expression in the Aged Mouse Hippocampus" (2018). Honors Theses. 418.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/418
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