DISTINCT ROLES OF THE aD HELIX IN aCAMKII ACTIVATION CHARACTERIZED USING A DE NOVO MUTATION FROM CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES

This dissertation describes the effects of a de novo mutation of CaMKII found in children with learning disabilities and describes its effect on catalytic activity. We develop a malachite green assay for the measurement of CaMKII activation and use it for high-throughput chemical screening to identify CaMKII inhibitors and enhancers. We also propose a new mechanism of regulation of CaMKII activity by ADP.