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Photoactivatable CaMKII induces synaptic plasticity in single synapses

Author

Listed:
  • Akihiro C. E. Shibata

    (National Institute for Physiological Sciences)

  • Hiromi H. Ueda

    (National Institute for Physiological Sciences
    The Graduate University for Advanced Studies)

  • Kei Eto

    (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies
    National Institute for Physiological Sciences)

  • Maki Onda

    (National Institute for Physiological Sciences)

  • Aiko Sato

    (National Institute for Physiological Sciences)

  • Tatsuko Ohba

    (National Institute for Physiological Sciences)

  • Junichi Nabekura

    (The Graduate University for Advanced Studies
    National Institute for Physiological Sciences)

  • Hideji Murakoshi

    (National Institute for Physiological Sciences
    The Graduate University for Advanced Studies)

Abstract

Optogenetic approaches for studying neuronal functions have proven their utility in the neurosciences. However, optogenetic tools capable of inducing synaptic plasticity at the level of single synapses have been lacking. Here, we engineered a photoactivatable (pa)CaMKII by fusing a light-sensitive domain, LOV2, to CaMKIIα. Blue light or two-photon excitation reversibly activated paCaMKII. Activation in single spines was sufficient to induce structural long-term potentiation (sLTP) in vitro and in vivo. paCaMKII activation was also sufficient for the recruitment of AMPA receptors and functional LTP in single spines. By combining paCaMKII with protein activity imaging by 2-photon FLIM-FRET, we demonstrate that paCaMKII activation in clustered spines induces robust sLTP via a mechanism that involves the actin-regulatory small GTPase, Cdc42. This optogenetic tool for dissecting the function of CaMKII activation (i.e., the sufficiency of CaMKII rather than necessity) and for manipulating synaptic plasticity will find many applications in neuroscience and other fields.

Suggested Citation

  • Akihiro C. E. Shibata & Hiromi H. Ueda & Kei Eto & Maki Onda & Aiko Sato & Tatsuko Ohba & Junichi Nabekura & Hideji Murakoshi, 2021. "Photoactivatable CaMKII induces synaptic plasticity in single synapses," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:12:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-021-21025-6
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21025-6
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