PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Here, we discuss the recent data on the role of different N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) coagonists, D-serine and glycine, in regulating NMDAR activity and neurotoxicity. RECENT FINDINGS: D-Serine originates from both neurons and astrocytes, from where it is released by different mechanisms. Recent data indicate that like glial D-serine, neuronal D-serine is required for NMDAR-dependent, long-term potentiation at the hippocampal CA1-CA3 synapses and proper synapse formation in the cerebral cortex. D-serine is the physiological coagonist of synaptic NMDAR, whereas glycine action is restricted to extrasynaptic sites. SUMMARY: D-Serine is now recognized as the major NMDAR coagonist at the synapse. The data establish D-serine as a key transmitter or neuromodulator that mediates synaptic NMDAR activation and neurotoxicity. In this context, drugs that inhibit D-serine synthesis or release will provide new neuroprotective strategy.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Here, we discuss the recent data on the role of different N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) coagonists, D-serine and glycine, in regulating NMDAR activity and neurotoxicity. RECENT FINDINGS:D-Serine originates from both neurons and astrocytes, from where it is released by different mechanisms. Recent data indicate that like glial D-serine, neuronal D-serine is required for NMDAR-dependent, long-term potentiation at the hippocampal CA1-CA3 synapses and proper synapse formation in the cerebral cortex. D-serine is the physiological coagonist of synaptic NMDAR, whereas glycine action is restricted to extrasynaptic sites. SUMMARY:D-Serine is now recognized as the major NMDAR coagonist at the synapse. The data establish D-serine as a key transmitter or neuromodulator that mediates synaptic NMDAR activation and neurotoxicity. In this context, drugs that inhibit D-serine synthesis or release will provide new neuroprotective strategy.
Authors: Kayla Raider; Delin Ma; Janna L Harris; Isabella Fuentes; Robert S Rogers; Joshua L Wheatley; Paige C Geiger; Hung-Wen Yeh; In-Young Choi; William M Brooks; John A Stanford Journal: Neurochem Int Date: 2016-04-26 Impact factor: 3.921
Authors: C Madeira; M V Lourenco; C Vargas-Lopes; C K Suemoto; C O Brandão; T Reis; R E P Leite; J Laks; W Jacob-Filho; C A Pasqualucci; L T Grinberg; S T Ferreira; R Panizzutti Journal: Transl Psychiatry Date: 2015-05-05 Impact factor: 6.222
Authors: Alan C Foster; Jill Farnsworth; Genevieve E Lind; Yong-Xin Li; Jia-Ying Yang; Van Dang; Mahmud Penjwini; Veena Viswanath; Ursula Staubli; Michael P Kavanaugh Journal: PLoS One Date: 2016-06-07 Impact factor: 3.240