title: D-Serine metabolism: new insights into the modulation of D-amino acid oxidase activity.
abstract: Over the years, accumulating evidence has indicated that D-serine represents the main endogenous ligand of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors. In the brain, the concentration of D-serine stored in cells is defined by the activity of two enzymes: serine racemase (responsible for both the synthesis and degradation) and D-amino acid oxidase (which catalyses D-serine degradation). The present review is focused on human D-amino acid oxidase, discussing the mechanisms involved in modulating enzyme activity and stability, with the aim to substantiate the pivotal role of D-amino acid oxidase in brain D-serine metabolism.
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sacchi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003605:D-Amino-Acid Oxidase / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008958:Models, Molecular; D012694:Serine / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D012694:Serine; D003605:D-Amino-Acid Oxidase