Cationic peptides cause memory loss through endophilin-mediated endocytosis.

The zeta inhibitory peptide (ZIP) interferes with memory maintenance and long-term potentiation (LTP) when administered to mice. However, mice lacking its putative target, protein kinase PKMζ, exhibit normal learning and memory as well as LTP, making the mechanism of ZIP unclear. Here we show that ZIP disrupts LTP by removing surface AMPA receptors through its cationic charge alone.

Molecular and circuit determinants in the globus pallidus mediating control of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity.

The globus pallidus externus (GPe) is a central component of the basal ganglia circuit that acts as a gatekeeper of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying this function are unknown. Here, we show that GPe parvalbumin-positive (GPe) cells mediate cocaine responses by selectively modulating ventral tegmental area dopamine (VTA) cells projecting to the dorsomedial striatum (DMS).

Molecular and circuit determinants in the globus pallidus mediating control of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity.

The globus pallidus externus (GPe) is a central component of the basal ganglia circuit, receiving strong input from the indirect pathway and regulating a variety of functions, including locomotor output and habit formation. We recently showed that it also acts as a gatekeeper of cocaine-induced behavioral plasticity, as inhibition of parvalbumin-positive cells in the GPe (GPe ) prevents the development of cocaine-induced reward and sensitization. However, the molecular and circuit mechanisms underlying this function are unknown.

Mimicking opioid analgesia in cortical pain circuits.

The anterior cingulate cortex plays a pivotal role in the cognitive and affective aspects of pain perception. Both endogenous and exogenous opioid signaling within the cingulate mitigate cortical nociception, reducing pain unpleasantness. However, the specific functional and molecular identities of cells mediating opioid analgesia in the cingulate remain elusive.

Cationic peptides erase memories by removing synaptic AMPA receptors through endophilin-mediated endocytosis.

Administration of the Zeta Inhibitory Peptide (ZIP) interferes with memory maintenance and long-term potentiation (LTP). However, mice lacking its putative target, the protein kinase PKMζ, exhibit normal learning and memory as well as LTP, making ZIP's mechanism unclear. Here, we show that ZIP disrupts LTP by removing surface AMPA receptors through its cationic charge alone.