CREB Pathway
Extracellular stimuli summon changes in gene expression in target cells by activating intracellular protein kinase cascades that phosphorylate nuclear transcription factors. Transcription factor CREB1 (cyclic AMP (cAMP) responsive element binding protein 1) activates transcription of the target genes in response to a wide array of stimuli, including peptide hormones, growth factors, and neuronal activity. CREB1 is essential to a variety of cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and adaptive responses. CREB proteins are critical for learning and memory and contribute to neuronal adaptation to drugs of abuse and hormonal control of metabolic processes, including regulation of gluconeogenesis by hormones glucagon and insulin.