serine/threonine protein kinase; functions autonomously after Ca2+/calmodulin-binding and autophosphorylation, and is involved in synaptic plasticity, neurotransmitter release and long-term potentiation. Member of the NMDAR signaling complex in excitatory synapses, it regulates NMDAR-dependent potentiation of the AMPAR and therefore excitatory synaptic transmission.