CaM Kinase 2 alpha (CAMKII alpha) is a prominent Ser/Thr kinase in the central nervous system that functions in long-term potentiation and neurotransmitter release. A member of the NMDAR signaling complex at the excitatory synapse, it regulates NMDAR-dependent potentiation of the AMPAR and synaptic plasticity. CAMK2a is composed of alpha, beta, gamma, and delta chains that assemble into homo- or heteromultimeric holoenzymes composed of 8 to 12 subunits. CaMK2a interacts with BAALC, MPDZ, SYN1, CAMK2N2 and SYNGAP1. Phosphorylation of Thr286 produces an autonomously active form of CaM Kinase II. Autophosphorylation of Thr305 inhibits the activity CaM Kinase II.