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Multiple Choice
Which of the following would increase phosphorylation of CREB by PKA?
A
Activation of phosphodiesterase enzymes
B
Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase
C
An increase in intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels
D
A decrease in G protein-coupled receptor activity
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein) in cellular signaling. CREB is phosphorylated by PKA (protein kinase A), which is activated by cyclic AMP (cAMP). Therefore, phosphorylation of CREB depends on the activity of PKA, which is regulated by cAMP levels.
Recognize that intracellular cAMP levels are influenced by the activity of adenylyl cyclase and phosphodiesterase enzymes. Adenylyl cyclase synthesizes cAMP from ATP, while phosphodiesterase enzymes degrade cAMP into AMP.
Analyze the effect of each option on cAMP levels: Activation of phosphodiesterase enzymes would decrease cAMP levels, reducing PKA activity and phosphorylation of CREB. Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase would also decrease cAMP levels, leading to the same outcome.
Consider the correct answer: An increase in intracellular cAMP levels would enhance PKA activity, leading to increased phosphorylation of CREB. This is because PKA is activated by binding to cAMP, which triggers its catalytic activity.
Evaluate the impact of G protein-coupled receptor activity: A decrease in G protein-coupled receptor activity would likely reduce the activation of adenylyl cyclase, leading to lower cAMP levels and decreased phosphorylation of CREB.