CAKβ/Pyk2 kinase is a signaling link for induction of long-term potentiation in CA1 hippocampus

Long-term potentiation (LTP) is an activity-dependent enhancement of synaptic efficacy, considered a model of learning and memory. The biochemical cascade producing LTP requires activation of Src, which upregulates the function of NMDA receptors (NMDARs), but how Src becomes activated is unknown. Here, we show that the focal adhesion kinase CAK beta /Pyk2 upregulated NMDAR function by activating Src in CA1 hippocampal neurons. Induction of LTP was prevented by blocking CAK beta /Pyk2, and administering CAK beta /Pyk2 intracellularly mimicked and occluded LTP. Tyrosine phosphorylation of CAK beta /Pyk2 and its association with Src was increased by stimulation that produced LTP. Finally, CAK beta /Pyk2-stimulated enhancement of synaptic AMPA responses was prevented by blocking NMDARS, chelating intracellular Ca2+, or blocking Src. Thus, activating CAK beta /Pyk2 is required for inducing LTP and may depend upon downstream activation of Src to upregulate NMDA receptors.