A calcineurin/AKAP complex is required for NMDA receptor-dependent long-term depression

AKAP79/150 is a protein scaffold that is thought to position specific kinases (protein kinase A and C) and phosphastases (calcineurin) in appropriate synaptic domains so that their activities can regulate excitatory synaptic strength. Using a viral-mediated molecular replacement strategy in rat hippocampal slices, we found that AKAP is required for NMDA receptor-dependent long-term depression solely because of its interaction with calcineurin.