CaMKII alpha Recombinant Rabbit mAb (S-2451-54)

CaMKII alpha is a major isoform of Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, predominantly expressed in the mammalian central nervous system, with high abundance in brain regions associated with learning and memory, such as the hippocampus and cerebral cortex. This protein consists of multiple catalytic domains, regulatory domains, and an oligomerization domain, typically forming 12-mer homo- or hetero-oligomeric complexes. Its core function is to decode calcium signals: when intracellular Ca²⁺ levels rise, the Ca²⁺/calmodulin complex binds to CaMKII alpha, relieving autoinhibition and activating its kinase activity. This allows it to phosphorylate various substrates, including AMPA and NMDA receptors, thereby regulating synaptic plasticity and neuronal signaling. A key characteristic is its ability to undergo "autophosphorylation" – autophosphorylation at Thr286 enables CaMKII alpha to retain partial activity even after the Ca²⁺ signal dissipates. This mechanism is considered a molecular "memory switch," crucial for long-term potentiation (LTP) and the formation of learning and memory. Furthermore, dysregulated expression or altered activity of CaMKII alpha is closely associated with various neurological disorders, such as epilepsy and Alzheimer's disease.