Learning induces a CDC2-related protein kinase, KKIAMRE

To elucidate molecular mechanisms in learning and memory, we analyzed expre ssion of mRNAs in brains of rabbits undergoing eyeblink conditioning. Infus ion of the transcription inhibitor actinomycin D into the cerebellar interp ositus nucleus reversibly blocked learning but not performance of the condi tioned response. Differential display PCR analysis of cerebellar interposit us RNAs from trained and pseudotrained rabbits identified a 207 bp band tha t was induced with learning. The fragment was used to isolate a cDNA from a lambda gt11 rabbit brain library containing a 1698 bp open reading frame. The deduced amino acid sequence contains the KKIAMRE motif, which is conser ved among cell division cycle 2 (cdc2)-related kinases. These results sugge st that there is a new category of cdc2-related kinases in the brain whose function may be important in learning and memory.