CaMKII (Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II)

CaMKII, or Calcium/Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, is an essential enzyme in the brain and nervous system that helps regulate how neurons communicate. When calcium ions enter a neuron, they bind to a protein called calmodulin, forming a complex that activates CaMKII. Once active, CaMKII modifies other proteins, strengthening the connections between neurons—key for learning and memory. It acts as a molecular switch, responding quickly to changes in calcium levels and helping the brain adapt and store information effectively.