title: The NMDA receptor complex: a multifunctional machine at the glutamatergic synapse.
abstract: The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are part of a large multiprotein complex at the glutamatergic synapse. The assembly of NMDARs with synaptic proteins offers a means to regulate NMDAR channel properties and receptor trafficking, and couples NMDAR activation to distinct intracellular signaling pathways, thus contributing to the versatility of NMDAR functions. Receptor-protein interactions at the synapse provide a dynamic and powerful mechanism for regulating synaptic efficacy, but can also contribute to NMDAR overactivation-induced excitotoxicity and cellular damage under pathological conditions. An emerging concept is that by understanding the mechanisms and functions of disease-specific protein-protein interactions in the NMDAR complex, we may be able to develop novel therapies based on protein-NMDAR interactions for the treatment of brain diseases in which NMDAR dysfunction is at the root of their pathogenesis.
authors: Brain Research Centre and Department of Medicine, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors: Xuelai
authors: X
authors: Fan
authors: Brain Research Centre and Department of Medicine, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors: Wu Yang
authors: WY
authors: Jin
authors: Brain Research Centre and Department of Medicine, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, University of British Columbia Vancouver, BC, Canada.
authors: Yu Tian
authors: YT
authors: Wang
keywords: NMDA receptors; dopamine receptors; excitotoxicity; ion channel complex; protein-protein interaction; signaling pathways; synaptic plasticity