Calbindin regulates Kv4.1 trafficking and excitability of dentate granule cells via CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation

Abstract

Calbindin, a major Ca2+ buffer in dentate granule cells (GCs), plays a critical role in shaping Ca2+ signals, yet how it regulates neuronal functions remains largely unknown. Here, we found that calbindin knock-out mice (CBKO) exhibited hyperexcitability in dentate GCs and impaired pattern separation, which was concurrent with reduced K+ current due to downregulated surface expression of Kv4.1. Consistently, manipulation of the calbindin expression in HT22 led to changes in CaMKII activation and the level of surface localization of Kv4.1 through phosphorylation at serine 555, confirming the mechanism underlying neuronal hyperexcitability in CBKO. We also discovered that Ca2+ buffering capacity was significantly reduced in the GCs of Tg2576 to the level of CBKO GCs, and this reduction was restored to normal levels by antioxidants, suggesting that calbindin is a target of oxidative stress. Our data suggest that regulation of CaMKII signaling by Ca2+ buffer is crucial for neuronal excitability regulation.