NMDA receptor

NMDA receptor (N-methyl D-aspartate receptor), also known as NMDAR, is a type of glutamate receptor that is critical for controlling synaptic plasticity and memory function. The NMDA receptor is named after its agonist molecule, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA).

Structure

The NMDA receptor is a heterotetramer composed of two GluN1 and two GluN2 subunits. The GluN1 subunit is essential for NMDA receptor function, while the GluN2 subunit is responsible for the receptor's functional diversity.

Function

NMDA receptors are notable for their voltage-dependent activation, requiring simultaneous binding of glutamate and glycine in conjunction with relief of voltage-dependent magnesium block. This property is fundamental for its role in synaptic plasticity.

Clinical significance

NMDA receptors are associated with a variety of neurological diseases and disorders, such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's.

Pharmacology

NMDA receptors have a very broad spectrum of ligands. The diversity of the ligands is because of the widespread distribution of the receptor in the central nervous system and its role in such varied phenomena as sensory perception, cognition, and memory, and its role in disease states such as stroke, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases.

See also

• Glutamate receptor
• Ionotropic glutamate receptor
• Metabotropic glutamate receptor

References

NMDA receptor Resources
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