Inhibitory glycine receptors: an update

J Biol Chem. 2012 Nov 23;287(48):40216-23. doi: 10.1074/jbc.R112.408229. Epub 2012 Oct 4.

Abstract

Strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors (GlyRs) mediate synaptic inhibition in the spinal cord, brainstem, and other regions of the mammalian central nervous system. In this minireview, we summarize our current view of the structure, ligand-binding sites, and chloride channel of these receptors and discuss recently emerging functions of distinct GlyR isoforms. GlyRs not only regulate the excitability of motor and afferent sensory neurons, including pain fibers, but also are involved in the processing of visual and auditory signals. Hence, GlyRs constitute promising targets for the development of therapeutically useful compounds.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Binding Sites
  • Humans
  • Receptors, Glycine / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Receptors, Glycine / chemistry
  • Receptors, Glycine / genetics
  • Receptors, Glycine / metabolism*
  • Strychnine / pharmacology*
  • Synapses / chemistry
  • Synapses / genetics
  • Synapses / metabolism

Substances

  • Receptors, Glycine
  • Strychnine