Glutamate Assay Kit

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

Glutamate also known as L-glutamic acid is an essential neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. It plays an important role in synaptic transmission and neural communication. Glutamate is a non-essential amino acid with a molecular mass of approximately 147.13 g/mol. It is widely expressed in the brain notably within neurons and glial cells. It facilitates communication between nerve cells by binding to specific glutamate receptors located on postsynaptic neurons. This critical function makes it integral to numerous neural processes.

Biological function summary

Aside from its role in neurotransmission glutamate acts as a precursor to the synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). It does not tend to form part of a larger protein complex but interacts with multiple receptor complexes such as NMDA and AMPA receptors enabling synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions like learning and memory. Its ability to modulate excitatory signals marks it as a flexible component in neurobiology.

Pathways

Alongside many components glutamate regulates the synaptic plasticity pathways like long-term potentiation and long-term depression. These pathways are important for adaptive neural activities underlying learning and memory formation. Closely linked to this function are proteins such as NMDA receptor subunits which mediate responses to glutamate signaling. Additionally the glutamate-glutamine cycle is significant for neuron-astrocyte interactions helping maintain neurotransmitter pools and detoxify ammonia.

Associated diseases and disorders

Dysfunctions in glutamate signaling relate to both neurodegenerative and psychiatric conditions. Alzheimer's disease involves impaired glutamate signaling which contributes to synaptic loss and cognitive deficits. Affected pathways often involve NMDA receptors making them a target for therapeutic intervention. Similarly in conditions like schizophrenia altered glutamate transmission can affect dopaminergic pathways impacting various neurobehavioral functions. Proteins like glutamate receptors and transporter proteins may become the focal point in understanding and targeting these disorders through diagnostic tools such as glutamate assay kits.