Metabotropic glutamate receptor 7

Metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 (mGluR7) is a type of metabotropic glutamate receptor which is a part of the G protein-coupled receptor family. These receptors are found in the central nervous system and play a crucial role in neurotransmission.

Function

mGluR7 is involved in the regulation of synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. It is predominantly expressed in the presynaptic terminal and is activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate. Upon activation, mGluR7 inhibits the release of glutamate and other neurotransmitters, thereby modulating synaptic transmission.

Structure

Like other metabotropic glutamate receptors, mGluR7 is a G protein-coupled receptor that consists of seven transmembrane domains. It is coupled to the inhibitory G protein (Gi/o), which inhibits the activity of adenylyl cyclase and reduces the production of cyclic AMP.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the function or expression of mGluR7 have been implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy. Therefore, mGluR7 is considered a potential therapeutic target for these disorders.

Research

Research on mGluR7 has been focused on understanding its role in the pathophysiology of various disorders and developing drugs that can modulate its activity. Several mGluR7 agonists and antagonists have been identified and are being studied for their potential therapeutic effects.

See also

• Metabotropic glutamate receptor
• G protein-coupled receptor
• Neurotransmission