Ion flux-independent NMDA receptor signaling

Neuropharmacology. 2022 Jun 1:210:109019. doi: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109019. Epub 2022 Mar 9.

Abstract

NMDA receptors play vital roles in a broad array of essential brain functions, from synaptic transmission and plasticity to learning and memory. Historically, the fundamental roles of NMDARs were attributed to their specialized properties of ion flux. More recently, it has become clear that NMDARs also signal in an ion flux-independent manner. Here, we review these non-ionotropic NMDAR signaling mechanisms that have been reported to contribute to a broad array of neuronal functions and dysfunctions including synaptic transmission and plasticity, cell death and survival, and synaptic alterations associated with neurological disorders.

Keywords: Alzheimer's disease; Dendritic spine; Ion flux-independent; LTD; LTP; NMDA receptor; Non-ionotropic; Schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Learning
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate* / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Synaptic Transmission* / physiology

Substances

  • Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate