title: GluN3A: an NMDA receptor subunit with exquisite properties and functions.
abstract: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) are pivotal for synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Conventional NMDAR consist of heterotetrameric structures composed of GluN1 and GluN2 subunits. A third subunit, GluN3, can also assemble with NMDAR subunits giving a remarkable modification of their heteromeric structure, forming a "nonconventional" NMDAR. As a consequence, the stoichiometry and kinetic properties of the receptors are dramatically changed. Among the GluN3 family, the GluN3A subunit has been the focus of a large amount of studies during recent years. These studies reveal that GluN3A is transiently expressed during development and could play a role in the fine tuning of neuronal networks as well as associated diseases. Moreover, GluN3A distribution outside the postsynaptic densities, including perisynaptic astrocytes, places it at a strategic position to play an important role in the interactions between neurons and glial cells. This review highlights GluN3A properties and addresses its role in neurophysiology and associated pathologies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneve 4, Switzerland ; Cellular Neurobiology, Departamento de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigacion Médica Aplicada (CIMA), Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
authors.forename: Laura A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Kehoe
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneve 4, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Yann
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Bernardinelli
authors.affiliation: Department of Neuroscience, University of Geneva, CMU, 1211 Geneve 4, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Muller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000502:physiology; D049229:Dendritic Spines / Q000502:physiology; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: C548929:GRIN3A protein, human; C584082:GluN3A protein, mouse; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D016194:Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate