Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Activity and Expression in the Aged Mouse Hippocampus

Mitchum, James (2018) Ca2+/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II Activity and Expression in the Aged Mouse Hippocampus. Undergraduate thesis, under the direction of Dr. Nicole Ashpole from BioMolecular Sciences, University of Mississippi.

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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.

Item Type: Thesis (Undergraduate)
Creators: Mitchum, James
Student's Degree Program(s): Biochemistry
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Nicole Ashpole
Thesis Advisor's Department: BioMolecular Sciences
Institution: University of Mississippi
Subjects: Q Science > QD Chemistry
R Medicine > RM Therapeutics. Pharmacology
Depositing User: James Mitchum
Date Deposited: 14 May 2018 19:38
Last Modified: 14 May 2018 19:38
URI: http://thesis.honors.olemiss.edu/id/eprint/1192

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