A signaling pathway model of spines that express D1-type dopamine receptors was constructed to analyze the dynamic mechanisms of dopamine- and calcium-dependent plasticity. The model incorporated all major signaling molecules, including dopamine- and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein with a molecular weight of 32 kDa (DARPP32), as well as AMPA receptor trafficking in the post-synaptic membrane. Simulations with dopamine and calcium inputs reproduced dopamine- and calcium-dependent plasticity. Further in silico experiments revealed that the positive feedback loop consisted of protein kinase A (PKA), protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), and the phosphorylation site at threonine 75 of DARPP-32 (Thr75) served as the major switch for inducing LTD and LTP. The present model elucidated the mechanisms involved in bidirectional regulation of corticostriatal synapses and will allow for further exploration into causes and therapies for dysfunctions such as drug addiction."
Model Type: Synapse; Molecular Network
Region(s) or Organism(s): Basal ganglia
Cell Type(s): Neostriatum medium spiny direct pathway GABA cell
Receptors: Dopaminergic Receptor
Transmitters: Dopamine
Model Concept(s): Signaling pathways
Simulation Environment: GENESIS
Implementer(s): Nakano, Takashi [nakano.takashi at gmail.com]
References:
Nakano T, Doi T, Yoshimoto J, Doya K. (2010). A kinetic model of dopamine- and calcium-dependent striatal synaptic plasticity. PLoS computational biology. 6 [PubMed]