Trafficking of NMDA receptors.
The NMDA receptor (NMDAR) plays a central role in the function of excitatory synapses. Recent studies have provided interesting insights into several aspects of the trafficking of this receptor in neurons. The NMDAR is not a static resident of the synapse. Rather, the number and composition of synaptic NMDARs can be modulated by several factors. The interaction of PDZ proteins, generally thought to occur at the synapse, appears to occur early in the secretory pathway; this interaction may play a role in the assembly of the receptor complex and its exit from the endoplasmic reticulum. This review addresses recent advances in our understanding of NMDAR trafficking and its synaptic delivery and maintenance.
Wenthold
Robert J
RJ
Laboratory of Neurochemistry, NIDCD, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA. wenthold@nidcd.nih.gov
Prybylowski
Kate
K
Standley
Steve
S
Sans
Nathalie
N
Petralia
Ronald S
RS
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000378:metabolism*; D013569:Synapses / Q000378:metabolism*; D009435:Synaptic Transmission / Q000502:physiology*
D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate