Influence of the NR3A Subunit on NMDA Receptor Functions

Overview

Journal Prog Neurobiol

Specialty Neurology

Date 2010 Jan 26

PMID 20097255

Citations 72

Authors

Maile A Henson

Adam C Roberts

Isabel Perez-Otano

Benjamin D Philpot

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Various combinations of subunits assemble to form the NMDA-type glutamate receptor (NMDAR), generating diversity in its functions. Here we review roles of the unique NMDAR subunit, NR3A, which acts in a dominant-negative manner to suppress receptor activity. NR3A-containing NMDARs display striking regional and temporal expression specificity, and, unlike most other NMDAR subtypes, they have a low conductance, are only modestly permeable to Ca(2+), and pass current at hyperpolarized potentials in the presence of magnesium. While glutamate activates triheteromeric NMDARs composed of NR1/NR2/NR3A subunits, glycine is sufficient to activate diheteromeric NR1/NR3A-containing receptors. NR3A dysfunction may contribute to neurological disorders involving NMDARs, and the subunit offers an attractive therapeutic target given its distinct pharmacological and structural properties.

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