Model illustrating the regulation of dopamine signaling by
Cdk5/phospho-Thr-75 DARPP-32 and regulation of the
Cdk5/phospho-Thr-75 DARPP-32 pathway by dopamine. The Cdk5 signaling
and PKA signaling pathways, through a positive feedback loop, are
mutually antagonistic. (Left) Under basal conditions,
phosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr-75 by Cdk5 causes, successively,
inhibition of PKA, inactivation of PP-2A, and decreased
dephosphorylation of phospho-Thr-75 DARPP-32. Inhibition of PKA also
results in decreased phosphorylation of DARPP-32-Thr-34 and, therefore,
in activation of PP-1. Inhibition of PKA and activation of PP-1
synergistically reduce the phosphorylation of various substrates.
(Right) Dopamine, by sequentially activating dopamine D1
receptors, PKA and PP-2A, reduces the level of phospho-Thr-75 DARPP-32.
Dephosphorylation of DARPP-32 at Thr-75 by PP-2A removes the inhibition
of PKA. Activation of PKA also results in increased phosphorylation of
DARPP-32-Thr-34 and in inhibition of PP-1. Activation of PKA and
inhibition of PP-1 synergistically increase the phosphorylation of
various substrates.