Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase is a central mediator of NMDA receptor signalling to MAP kinase (Erk1/2), Akt/PKB and CREB in striatal neurones.

Ca2+ influx through NMDA receptors can initiate molecular changes in neurones which may underlie synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, survival and excitotoxicity. Signalling through the MAP kinase (Erk1/2) cascade may be central to these processes. We previously demonstrated that Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors activate Erkl/2 through a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase)-dependent mechanism. We now report that NMDA receptor activation of Erk1/2 was also blocked by inhibitors of PI 3-kinase (LY 294002, wortmannin). In addition, pre-treatment of neurones with pertussis toxin inhibited NMDA-induced Erk1/2 activation, indicating a role for heterotrimeric Gi/o proteins. PI 3-kinase directs activation of the serine-threonine kinase Akt (PKB). Treatment of striatal neurones with glutamate induced a rapid Ca2+-dependent and PI 3-kinase-dependent phosphorylation of Akt (Ser473), which was not blocked by the Mek inhibitors PD98059 or U0126. Targets for Erk1/2 and Akt pathways include transcription factors. Glutamate-induced phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (CREB; Ser133) was partially blocked with either PD98059, U0126, LY294002 or wortmannin but was very strongly inhibited on co-application of LY294002 and PD98059. We propose that NMDA receptor stimulation can activate Erk1/2 and Akt signalling pathways in a PI 3-kinase dependent manner which may target CREB in the nucleus.