Characterization and phosphorylation of CREB-like proteins in Aplysia central nervous system

Studies in Aplysia californica indicate that cAMP-mediated gene expression is necessary for long-term facilitation, a correlate of long-term memory. It has been shown that blocking the expression of cAMP-inducible genes in sensory neurons impedes long-term facilitation without any effect on short-term facilitation. Specifically, blocking the binding of CREB-like proteins or inhibiting the expression of a cAMP-inducible gene, C\EBP, impairs long-term facilitation. In this report, we show the presence of a family of CREB-like proteins in Aplysia CNS that specifically bind to the CRE sequence and cross-react with rat CREB antibodies. Similar to mammalian CREB proteins, Aplysia homologues interact with each other via leucine zipper domains. This interaction can be disrupted by peptides containing the CREB leucine zipper sequence. We demonstrate that a 43 kDa CREB-like protein present in CNS extracts can be phosphorylated in vitro by cAMP-dependent protein kinase A. Moreover, exposure of ganglia to serotonin (5-HT), a transmitter involved in long-term facilitation, increases the phosphorylation of this protein. This biochemical data further supports the involvement of CREB-like proteins in memory storage.