CAMK2G

CAMK2G or Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase II Gamma is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CAMK2G gene. This protein is a part of the serine/threonine-specific protein kinase family, and is predominantly expressed in the brain. It plays a crucial role in various cellular functions such as neuronal plasticity, learning, and memory.

Function

CAMK2G is a part of the Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMK) family. These kinases are activated by calcium and calmodulin, and they have been implicated in many different cellular functions. CAMK2G, in particular, is known to play a critical role in maintaining normal brain function. It is involved in the processes of learning and memory, and alterations in this gene have been linked to cognitive impairments.

Structure

The CAMK2G protein is a multimeric enzyme composed of similar or identical subunits. Each subunit of the protein contains a catalytic domain and a regulatory domain. The regulatory domain has an autoinhibitory segment and a calmodulin-binding segment. The autoinhibitory segment can inhibit the catalytic activity of the enzyme, while the calmodulin-binding segment can bind to calmodulin, a calcium-binding messenger protein.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the CAMK2G gene have been associated with various neurological disorders. For instance, mutations in this gene have been linked to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Moreover, changes in the expression of this gene have been observed in the brains of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

See Also

• Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase
• Serine/threonine-specific protein kinase
• Neuronal plasticity
• Learning
• Memory