Ibotenic acid (mM/ml), excitotoxic agonist

Supplementary information

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

NMDAR2A NMDAR2B GluN2C NMDAR1 mGluR1a NMDAR3A NMDAR3B and Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 (also known as GluN2D) are subunits and types of glutamate receptors. They form part of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). These receptors play key roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity in the central nervous system. NMDAR subunits such as NMDAR2A and NMDAR2B have a mass ranging from approximately 150 to 180 kDa depending on the specific isoform. These receptors are expressed in neurons throughout the brain including areas like the hippocampus cortex and cerebellum.

Biological function summary

These glutamate receptors contribute to neuronal communication and development. NMDARs which are ionotropic channels modulate calcium ion flow upon activation impacting synaptic strength and plasticity. They often form heteromeric complexes with other subunits creating channels with distinct functional properties. In contrast mGluRs like mGluR1a and mGluR5 are G protein-coupled receptors that link to intracellular signaling pathways affecting synaptic modulation and plasticity differently. These receptors are essential for processes like learning memory formation and higher cognitive functions.

Pathways

These glutamate receptors are involved in excitatory synaptic transmission and neuroplasticity-related pathways. NMDARs are central to the glutamatergic signaling pathway and have relationships with proteins such as CaMKII and PSD-95 which participate in strengthening synaptic connections. Metabotropic glutamate receptors interact with intracellular pathways involving proteins like PLC and PI3K which regulate calcium release and neurotransmitter signaling. These pathways ensure proper neuronal communication and adaptability.

NMDARs and mGluRs associate with neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. NMDAR dysfunction can lead to excitotoxicity contributing to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s where abnormal calcium influx disrupts cell health. In schizophrenia changes in NMDAR activity affect neurotransmitter balance and cognitive function. Proteins like DISC1 and Grin1 relate to these disorders by influencing glutamate receptor activity or expression highlighting their relevance in disease pathogenesis.