GSK-3 β at the Intersection of Neuronal Plasticity and Neurodegeneration

Neural Plast. 2019 May 2:2019:4209475. doi: 10.1155/2019/4209475. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

In neurons, Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β (GSK-3β) has been shown to regulate various critical processes underlying structural and functional synaptic plasticity. Mouse models with neuron-selective expression or deletion of GSK-3β present behavioral and cognitive abnormalities, positioning this protein kinase as a key signaling molecule in normal brain functioning. Furthermore, mouse models with defective GSK-3β activity display distinct structural and behavioral abnormalities, which model some aspects of different neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Equalizing GSK-3β activity in these mouse models by genetic or pharmacological interventions is able to rescue some of these abnormalities. Thus, GSK-3β is a relevant therapeutic target for the treatment of many brain disorders. Here, we provide an overview of how GSK-3β is regulated in physiological synaptic plasticity and how aberrant GSK-3β activity contributes to the development of dysfunctional synaptic plasticity in neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Nerve Degeneration / metabolism*
  • Nerve Degeneration / pathology
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / metabolism*
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases / pathology
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Neurons / metabolism*
  • Neurons / pathology
  • Phosphorylation

Substances

  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta