 NCS-1 regulates synaptic transmission, helps control the dynamics of nerve terminal growth, is critical for some forms of learning and memory in "C. elegans" and mammals, regulates corticohippocampal plasticity; and enhancing levels of NCS-1 in the mouse dentate gyrus increases spontaneous exploration of safe environments, potentially linking NCS-1 to curiosity.NCS-1 is a calcium sensor, not a calcium buffer (chelator); thus it is a high-affinity, low-capacity, calcium-binding protein.Frq can substitute for calmodulin in some situations.