Pharmaceuticals,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
16(1), P. 1 - 1
Published: Dec. 20, 2022
NMDA-type
glutamate
receptors
are
critical
for
synaptic
plasticity
in
the
central
nervous
system.
Their
unique
properties
and
age-dependent
arrangement
of
subunit
types
underpin
their
role
as
a
coincidence
detector
pre-
postsynaptic
activity
during
brain
development
maturation.
NMDAR
function
is
highly
modulated
by
zinc,
which
co-released
with
concentrates
spines.
Both
NMDARs
zinc
have
been
strongly
linked
to
autism
spectrum
disorders
(ASDs),
suggesting
that
an
important
player
beneficial
effects
observed
both
animal
models
children
ASDs.
Significant
evidence
emerging
these
occur
via
zinc-dependent
regulation
SHANK
proteins,
form
backbone
density.
For
example,
dietary
supplementation
enhances
SHANK2
or
SHANK3
recruitment
rescues
deficits
hypofunction
Shank3ex13–16−/−
Tbr1+/−
ASD
mice.
Across
multiple
studies,
changes
parallel
reversal
ASD-associated
behaviours,
highlighting
glutamatergic
synapses
therapeutic
targets
severe
forms
ASDs,
either
postnatally.
The
data
from
rodent
set
strong
foundation
future
translational
studies
human
cells
people
affected
Pharmacological Reviews,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
73(4), P. 1469 - 1658
Published: Oct. 1, 2021
Many
physiologic
effects
of
l-glutamate,
the
major
excitatory
neurotransmitter
in
mammalian
central
nervous
system,
are
mediated
via
signaling
by
ionotropic
glutamate
receptors
(iGluRs).
These
ligand-gated
ion
channels
critical
to
brain
function
and
centrally
implicated
numerous
psychiatric
neurologic
disorders.
There
different
classes
iGluRs
with
a
variety
receptor
subtypes
each
class
that
play
distinct
roles
neuronal
functions.
The
diversity
iGluR
subtypes,
their
unique
functional
properties
roles,
has
motivated
large
number
studies.
Our
understanding
advanced
considerably
since
first
subunit
gene
was
cloned
1989,
research
focus
expanded
encompass
facets
biology
have
been
recently
discovered
exploit
experimental
paradigms
made
possible
technological
advances.
Here,
we
review
insights
from
more
than
3
decades
studies
an
emphasis
on
progress
occurred
past
decade.
We
cover
structure,
function,
pharmacology,
neurophysiology,
therapeutic
implications
for
all
assembled
subunits
encoded
18
genes.
SIGNIFICANCE
STATEMENT:
Glutamate
important
virtually
aspects
either
involved
mediating
some
clinical
features
neurological
disease
or
represent
target
treatment.
Therefore,
pharmacology
this
will
advance
our
many
at
molecular,
cellular,
system
levels
provide
new
opportunities
treat
patients.
F1000Research,
Journal Year:
2019,
Volume and Issue:
8, P. 1940 - 1940
Published: Nov. 20, 2019
Rapid
advances
in
sequencing
technology
have
led
to
an
explosive
increase
the
number
of
genetic
variants
identified
patients
with
neurological
disease
and
also
enabled
assembly
a
robust
database
healthy
individuals.
A
surprising
GRIN
genes
that
encode
N-methyl-D-aspartate
(NMDA)
glutamatergic
receptor
subunits
been
found
various
neuropsychiatric
disorders,
including
autism
spectrum
epilepsy,
intellectual
disability,
attention-deficit/hyperactivity
disorder,
schizophrenia.
This
review
compares
contrasts
available
information
describing
clinical
functional
consequences
variations
GRIN2A
GRIN2B.
Comparison
phenotypes
shows
are
commonly
associated
epileptic
phenotype
but
GRIN2B
neurodevelopmental
disorders.
These
observations
emphasize
distinct
roles
gene
products
serve
circuit
function
suggest
analysis
variation
may
provide
insight
into
molecular
mechanisms,
which
will
allow
more
accurate
subclassification
phenotypes.
Furthermore,
characterization
pharmacological
properties
variant
receptors
could
first
opportunity
for
translational
therapeutic
strategies
these
GRIN-related
psychiatric
Journal of Neurochemistry,
Journal Year:
2020,
Volume and Issue:
154(2), P. 121 - 143
Published: Jan. 24, 2020
Abstract
The
N
‐methyl‐
D
‐aspartate
receptors
(NMDARs)
are
ionotropic
glutamate
that
mediate
the
flux
of
calcium
(Ca
2+
)
into
post‐synaptic
compartment.
Ca
influx
subsequently
triggers
activation
various
intracellular
signalling
cascades
underpin
multiple
forms
synaptic
plasticity.
Functional
NMDARs
assembled
as
heterotetramers
composed
two
obligatory
GluN1
subunits
and
GluN2
or
GluN3
subunits.
Four
different
(GluN2A‐D)
present
throughout
central
nervous
system;
however,
they
differentially
expressed,
both
developmentally
spatially,
in
a
cell‐
synapse‐specific
manner.
Each
subunit
confers
with
distinct
ion
channel
properties
trafficking
pathways.
Regulated
membrane
is
dynamic
process
ultimately
determines
number
at
synapses,
controlled
by
subunit‐specific
interactions
regulatory
proteins.
Here
we
review
recent
progress
made
towards
understanding
molecular
mechanisms
regulate
GluN2‐containing
NMDARs,
focusing
on
roles
several
key
proteins
interact
via
their
carboxyl
termini.
image
Molecular Psychiatry,
Journal Year:
2019,
Volume and Issue:
26(5), P. 1505 - 1519
Published: Aug. 6, 2019
Genetic
studies
of
autism
spectrum
disorder
(ASD)
have
revealed
multigene
variations
that
converge
on
synaptic
dysfunction.
DOCK4,
a
gene
at
7q31.1
encodes
the
Rac1
guanine
nucleotide
exchange
factor
Dock4,
has
been
identified
as
risk
for
ASD
and
other
neuropsychiatric
disorders.
However,
whether
how
Dock4
disruption
leads
to
features
through
mechanism
remain
unexplored.
We
generated
characterized
line
knockout
(KO)
mice,
which
intriguingly
displayed
series
ASD-like
behaviors,
including
impaired
social
novelty
preference,
abnormal
isolation-induced
pup
vocalizations,
elevated
anxiety,
perturbed
object
spatial
learning.
Mice
with
conditional
deletion
in
hippocampal
CA1
recapitulated
preference
deficit
KO
mice.
Examination
pyramidal
neurons
excitatory
transmission
was
drastically
attenuated
accompanied
by
decreased
spine
density
content
AMPA
(α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic
acid)-
NMDA
(N-methyl-D-aspartate)-type
glutamate
receptors.
Moreover,
deficiency
markedly
reduced
activity
hippocampus,
resulted
downregulation
global
protein
synthesis
diminished
expression
receptor
subunits.
Notably,
replenishment
mice
restored
corrected
deficits
these
pharmacological
activation
receptors
also
Together,
our
findings
uncover
previously
unrecognized
Dock4-Rac1-dependent
involved
regulating
behavior.
Nature Communications,
Journal Year:
2021,
Volume and Issue:
12(1)
Published: June 18, 2021
Abstract
Theoretical
estimation
of
solvation
free
energy
by
continuum
models,
as
a
standard
approach
in
computational
chemistry,
is
extensively
applied
broad
range
scientific
disciplines.
Nevertheless,
the
current
widely
accepted
models
are
either
inaccurate
reproducing
experimentally
determined
energies
or
require
number
macroscopic
observables
which
not
always
readily
available.
In
present
study,
we
develop
and
introduce
Machine-Learning
Polarizable
Continuum
Model
(ML-PCM)
for
substantial
improvement
predictability
energy.
The
performance
reliability
developed
validated
through
rigorous
demanding
validation
procedure.
ML-PCM
study
improve
accuracy
almost
one
order
magnitude
with
no
additional
costs.
A
freely
available
software
provided
straightforward
implementation
new
approach.
Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience,
Journal Year:
2022,
Volume and Issue:
14
Published: Jan. 7, 2022
Epilepsy
is
one
of
the
most
common
neurological
disorders
characterized
by
recurrent
seizures.
The
mechanism
epilepsy
remains
unclear
and
previous
studies
suggest
that
N-methyl-D-aspartate
receptors
(NMDARs)
play
an
important
role
in
abnormal
discharges,
nerve
conduction,
neuron
injury
inflammation,
thereby
they
may
participate
epileptogenesis.
NMDARs
belong
to
a
family
ionotropic
glutamate
essential
roles
excitatory
neurotransmission
synaptic
plasticity
mammalian
CNS.
Despite
numerous
focusing
on
NMDAR
epilepsy,
relationship
appeared
be
elusive.
In
this
article,
we
reviewed
regulation
possible
mechanisms
respect
onset,
development,
treatment,
trying
provide
more
evidence
for
future
studies.
Frontiers in Synaptic Neuroscience,
Journal Year:
2023,
Volume and Issue:
14
Published: Jan. 10, 2023
The
GRIN2B
-related
neurodevelopmental
disorder
is
a
rare
disease
caused
by
mutations
in
the
gene,
which
encodes
GluN2B
subunit
of
NMDA
receptors.
Most
individuals
with
present
intellectual
disability
and
developmental
delay.
Motor
impairments,
autism
spectrum
disorder,
epilepsy
are
also
common.
A
large
number
pathogenic
de
novo
have
been
identified
.
However,
it
not
yet
known
how
these
variants
lead
to
clinical
symptoms
disease.
Recent
research
has
begun
address
this
issue.
Here,
we
describe
key
experimental
approaches
that
used
better
understand
pathophysiology
We
discuss
impact
several
distinct
on
receptor
properties.
then
critically
review
pivotal
studies
examining
synaptic
phenotypes
observed
when
disease-associated
expressed
neurons.
These
data
provide
compelling
evidence
various
mutants
interfere
neuronal
differentiation,
dendrite
morphogenesis,
synaptogenesis,
plasticity.
Finally,
identify
important
open
questions
considerations
for
future
aimed
at
understanding
complex
Together,
existing
insight
into
pathophysiological
mechanisms
underlie
emphasize
importance
comparing
effects
individual,
variants.
Understanding
molecular,
cellular
circuit
produced
wide
range
should
identification
core
characterize
its
symptoms.
This
information
could
help
guide
development
application
effective
therapeutic
strategies
treating
disorder.
Children,
Journal Year:
2025,
Volume and Issue:
12(4), P. 481 - 481
Published: April 8, 2025
Lennox-Gastaut
syndrome
(LGS)
is
a
severe
childhood-onset
developmental
and
epileptic
encephalopathy
characterized
by
multiple
drug-resistant
seizure
types,
cognitive
impairment,
distinctive
electroencephalographic
patterns.
Current
treatments
primarily
focus
on
symptom
management
through
antiseizure
medications
(ASMs),
dietary
therapy,
epilepsy
surgery,
neuromodulation,
but
often
fail
to
address
the
underlying
pathophysiology
or
improve
outcomes.
As
genetic
causes
are
identified
in
30-40%
of
LGS
cases,
precision
therapeutics
targeting
specific
molecular
mechanisms
emerging
as
promising
disease-modifying
approaches.
This
narrative
review
explores
therapeutic
strategies
for
based
pathophysiology,
including
channelopathies
(SCN2A,
SCN8A,
KCNQ2,
KCNA2,
KCNT1,
CACNA1A),
receptor
ligand
dysfunction
(GABA/glutamate
systems),
cell
signaling
abnormalities
(mTOR
pathway),
synaptopathies
(STXBP1,
IQSEC2,
DNM1),
epigenetic
dysregulation
(CHD2),
CDKL5
deficiency
disorder.
Treatment
modalities
discussed
include
traditional
ASMs,
targeted
pharmacotherapy,
antisense
oligonucleotides,
gene
repurposing
existing
with
mechanism-specific
effects.
Early
intervention
may
not
only
control
could
also
potentially
prevent
progression
susceptible
populations.
Future
directions
developing
computable
phenotypes
accurate
diagnosis,
refining
subgrouping,
enhancing
drug
development,
advancing
gene-based
therapies,
personalizing
implementing
adaptive
clinical
trial
designs,
ensuring
equitable
access
While
significant
challenges
remain,
integrating
biological
insights
innovative
offers
new
hope
transforming
treatment
from
symptomatic
disease
modification.