Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase in neuronal nuclei.

Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase represents a major enzyme activity in neuronal nuclei. Most of the protein kinase activity is associated with the nuclear matrix but it can phosphorylate a broad range of substrates which derive from different nuclear compartments. Notable among these substrates is a Mr = 50,000 component of the nuclear matrix and a high mobility group chromatin protein which behaves like HMG17. The high level of activity, age- and tissue-specificity, and sensitivity to low concentrations of calmodulin suggest a role for this Ca2+-calmodulin-dependent protein kinase in regulating neuronal function at the level of the nucleus.