Abstract

Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (αCaMKII) is thought to exert its role in memory formation by autonomous Ca2+-independent persistent activity conferred by Thr286 autophosphorylation, allowing the enzyme to remain active even when intracellular [Ca2+] has returned to resting levels. Ca2+ sequestration-induced inhibition, caused by a burst of Thr305/306 autophosphorylation via calmodulin (CaM) dissociation from the Thr305/306 sites, is in conflict with this view. The processes of CaM binding, autophosphorylation, and inactivation are dissected to resolve this conflict. Upon Ca2+ withdrawal, CaM sequential domain dissociation is observed, starting with the rapid release of the first (presumed N-terminal) CaM lobe, thought to be bound at the Thr305/306 sites. The time courses of Thr305/306 autophosphorylation and inactivation, however, correlate with the slow dissociation of the second (presumed C-terminal) CaM lobe. Exposure of the Thr305/306 sites is thus not sufficient for their autophosphorylation. Moreover, Thr305/306 autophosphorylation and autoinactivation are shown to occur in the continuous presence of Ca2+ and bound Ca2+/CaM by time courses similar to those seen following Ca2+ sequestration. Our investigation of the activity and mechanisms of phospho-Thr286-αCaMKII thus shows time-dependent autoinactivation, irrespective of the continued presence of Ca2+ and CaM, allowing a very short, if any, time window for Ca2+/CaM-free phospho-Thr286-αCaMKII activity. Physiologically, the time-dependent autoinactivation mechanisms of phospho-Thr286-αCaMKII (t½ of ∼50 s at 37 °C) suggest a transient kinase activity of ∼1 min duration in the induction of long term potentiation and thus memory formation