Abstract

The neuronal response to a Ca²⁺ stimulus is a complex process involving direct Ca²⁺/calmodulin (CaM) actions as well as secondary activation of multiple signaling pathways such as cAMP and ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase). These signals can act in both the cytoplasm and the nucleus to control gene expression. To dissect the role of nuclear from cytoplasmic Ca²⁺/CaM signaling in memory formation, we generated transgenic mice that express a dominant inhibitor of Ca²⁺/CaM selectively in the nuclei of forebrain neurons and only after the animals reach adulthood. These mice showed diminished neuronal activity-induced phosphorylation of cAMP response element-binding protein, reduced expression of activity-induced genes, altered maximum levels of hippocampal long-term potentiation, and severely impaired formation of long-term, but not short-term, memory. Our results demonstrate that nuclear Ca²⁺/CaM signaling plays a critical role in memory consolidation in the mouse.