Temporal and regional expression of NMDA receptor subunit NR3A in the mammalian brain

NMDA receptor-mediated Ca2+ signaling: Impact on cell cycle regulation and the development of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer

NMDA receptors are Ca2+-permeable ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast excitatory transmission in the central nervous system. NMDA receptors regulate the proliferation and differentiation of neural progenitor cells and also play critical roles in neural plasticity, memory, and learning. In addition to their physiological role, NMDA receptors are also involved in glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, which results from excessive glutamate stimulation, leading to Ca2+ overload, and ultimately to neuronal death. Thus, NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity has been linked to several neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, dementia, and stroke. Interestingly, in addition to its effects on cell death, aberrant expression or activation of NMDA receptors is also involved in pathological cellular proliferation, and is implicated in the invasion and proliferation of various types of cancer. These disorders are thought to be related to the contribution of NMDA receptors to cell proliferation and cell death through cell cycle modulation. This review aims to discuss the evidence implicating NMDA receptor activity in cell cycle regulation and the link between aberrant NMDA receptor activity and the development of neurodegenerative diseases and cancer due to cell cycle dysregulation. The information presented here will provide insights into the signaling pathways and the contribution of NMDA receptors to these diseases, and suggests that NMDA receptors are promising targets for the prevention and treatment of these diseases, which are leading causes of death and disability worldwide.

Glycine Transporter 1 Inhibitors: Predictions on Their Possible Mechanisms in the Development of Opioid Analgesic Tolerance

The development of opioid tolerance in patients on long-term opioid analgesic treatment is an unsolved matter in clinical practice thus far. Dose escalation is required to restore analgesic efficacy, but at the price of side effects. Intensive research is ongoing to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of opioid analgesic tolerance in the hope of maintaining opioid analgesic efficacy. N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists have shown promising effects regarding opioid analgesic tolerance; however, their use is limited by side effects (memory dysfunction). Nevertheless, the GluN2B receptor remains a future target for the discovery of drugs to restore opioid efficacy. Mechanistically, the long-term activation of µ-opioid receptors (MORs) initiates receptor phosphorylation, which triggers β-arrestin-MAPKs and NOS-GC-PKG pathway activation, which ultimately ends with GluN2B receptor overactivation and glutamate release. The presence of glutamate and glycine as co-agonists is a prerequisite for GluN2B receptor activation. The extrasynaptic localization of the GluN2B receptor means it is influenced by the glycine level, which is regulated by astrocytic glycine transporter 1 (GlyT1). Enhanced astrocytic glycine release by reverse transporter mechanisms as a consequence of high glutamate levels or unconventional MOR activation on astrocytes could further activate the GluN2B receptor. GlyT1 inhibitors might inhibit this condition, thereby reducing opioid tolerance.

The t-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor: Making the case for d-Serine to be considered its inverse co-agonist

The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is an enigmatic macromolecule that has garnered a good deal of attention on account of its involvement in the cellular processes that underlie learning and memory, following its discovery in the mid twentieth century (Baudry and Davis, 1991). Yet, despite advances in knowledge about its function, there remains much more to be uncovered regarding the receptor's biophysical properties, subunit composition, and role in CNS physiology and pathophysiology. The motivation for this review stems from the need for synthesizing new information gathered about these receptors that sheds light on their role in synaptic plasticity and their dichotomous relationship with the amino acid d-serine through which they influence the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases like temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), the most common type of adult epilepsies (Beesley et al., 2020a). This review will outline pertinent ideas relating structure and function of t-NMDARs (GluN3 subunit-containing triheteromeric NMDARs) for which d-serine might serve as an inverse co-agonist. We will explore how tracing d-serine's origins blends glutamate-receptor biology with glial biology to help provide fresh perspectives on how neurodegeneration might interlink with neuroinflammation to initiate and perpetuate the disease state. Taken together, we envisage the review to deepen our understanding of endogenous d-serine's new role in the brain while also recognizing its therapeutic potential in the treatment of TLE that is oftentimes refractory to medications.

Excitatory GluN1/GluN3A glycine receptors (eGlyRs) in brain signaling

GluN3A is a glycine-binding subunit belonging to the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) family that can assemble with GluN1 subunits to form unconventional NMDARs insensitive to glutamate and activated by glycine only. The existence of such excitatory glycine receptors (eGlyRs) in the central nervous system (CNS) has long remained elusive. Recently, eGlyRs have been identified in specific brain regions, where they represent a novel neuronal signaling modality by which extracellular glycine tunes neuronal excitability, circuit function, and behavior. In this review, we summarize the emerging knowledge regarding these underappreciated receptors. The existence of eGlyRs reshapes current understanding of NMDAR diversity and of glycinergic signaling, previously thought to be primarily inhibitory. Given that GluN3A expression is concentrated in brain regions regulating emotional responses, eGlyRs are potential new targets of therapeutic interest in neuropsychiatry.

Targeting NMDA Receptors in Emotional Disorders: Their Role in Neuroprotection

Excitatory glutamatergic neurotransmission mediated through N-methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) is essential for synaptic plasticity and neuronal survival. While under pathological states, abnormal NMDAR activation is involved in the occurrence and development of psychiatric disorders, which suggests a directional modulation of NMDAR activity that contributes to the remission and treatment of psychiatric disorders. This review thus focuses on the involvement of NMDARs in the pathophysiological processes of psychiatric mood disorders and analyzes the neuroprotective mechanisms of NMDARs. Firstly, we introduce NMDAR-mediated neural signaling pathways in brain function and mood regulation as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms of NMDARs in emotion-related mental disorders such as anxiety and depression. Then, we provide an in-depth summary of current NMDAR modulators that have the potential to be developed into clinical drugs and their pharmacological research achievements in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Based on these findings, drug-targeting for NMDARs might open up novel territory for the development of therapeutic agents for refractory anxiety and depression.

Identification of a Subtype-Selective Allosteric Inhibitor of GluN1/GluN3 NMDA Receptors

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are Ca²⁺-permeable ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) in the central nervous system and play important roles in neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. Conventional NMDARs, which typically comprise GluN1 and GluN2 subunits, have different biophysical properties than GluN3-containing NMDARs: GluN3-containing NMDARs have smaller unitary conductance, less Ca²⁺-permeability and lower Mg²⁺-sensitivity than those of conventional NMDARs. However, there are very few specific modulators for GluN3-containing NMDARs. Here, we developed a cell-based high-throughput calcium assay and identified 3-fluoro-1,2-phenylene bis (3-hydroxybenzoate) (WZB117) as a relatively selective inhibitor of GluN1/GluN3 receptors. The IC₅₀ value of WZB117 on GluN1/GluN3A receptors expressed in HEK-293 cells was 1.15 ± 0.34 μM. Consistently, WZB117 exhibited strong inhibitory activity against glycine-induced currents in the presence of CGP-78608 but only slightly affected the NMDA-, KA- and AMPA-induced currents in the acutely isolated rat hippocampal neurons. Among the four types of endogenous currents, only the first one is primarily mediated by GluN1/GluN3 receptors. Mechanistic studies showed that WZB117 inhibited the GluN1/GluN3A receptors in a glycine-, voltage- and pH-independent manner, suggesting it is an allosteric modulator. Site-directed mutagenesis and chimera construction further revealed that WZB117 may act on the GluN3A pre-M1 region with key determinants different from those of previously identified modulators. Together, our study developed an efficient method to discover modulators of GluN3-containing NMDARs and characterized WZB117 as a novel allosteric inhibitor of GluN1/GluN3 receptors.

Pathogenesis of sporadic Alzheimer's disease by deficiency of NMDA receptor subunit GluN3A

The Ca²⁺ hypothesis for Alzheimer's disease (AD) conceives Ca²⁺ dyshomeostasis as a common mechanism of AD; the cause of Ca²⁺ dysregulation, however, is obscure. Meanwhile, hyperactivities of N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), the primary mediator of Ca²⁺ influx, are reported in AD. GluN3A (NR3A) is an NMDAR inhibitory subunit. We hypothesize that GluN3A is critical for sustained Ca²⁺ homeostasis and its deficiency is pathogenic for AD. Cellular, molecular, and functional changes were examined in adult/aging GluN3A knockout (KO) mice. The GluN3A KO mouse brain displayed age-dependent moderate but persistent neuronal hyperactivity, elevated intracellular Ca²⁺ , neuroinflammation, impaired synaptic integrity/plasticity, and neuronal loss. GluN3A KO mice developed olfactory dysfunction followed by psychological/cognitive deficits prior to amyloid-β/tau pathology. Memantine at preclinical stage prevented/attenuated AD syndromes. AD patients' brains show reduced GluN3A expression. We propose that chronic "degenerative excitotoxicity" leads to sporadic AD, while GluN3A represents a primary pathogenic factor, an early biomarker, and an amyloid-independent therapeutic target.

The roles of GluN3-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in central nerve system

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in central nerve system is mostly composed of GluN1 and GluN2 subunits. The classical NMDAR has been intensively studied. However, GluN3‑containing NMDAR is much less expressed and have atypical channel properties. Recently, accumulating evidences have revealed two types of GluN3‑containing NMDAR: glutamate-gated GluN1/GluN2/GluN3 NMDAR and glycine-gated GluN1/GluN3 NMDAR. The former may play important roles in regulating synapse maturation and pruning non-used synapses, and its elevated expression at the adult stage may alter synaptic reorganization in some neuropsychiatric disorders. The latter is expressed in the medial habenula and involves in control of aversion. This article reviews the recent progresses on the expression, functional properties of GluN3‑containing atypical NMDARs and the physiological and pathological relevance.

Structure, Function, and Pharmacology of Glutamate Receptor Ion Channels

Many physiologic effects of l-glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, are mediated via signaling by ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). These ligand-gated ion channels are critical to brain function and are centrally implicated in numerous psychiatric and neurologic disorders. There are different classes of iGluRs with a variety of receptor subtypes in each class that play distinct roles in neuronal functions. The diversity in iGluR subtypes, with their unique functional properties and physiologic roles, has motivated a large number of studies. Our understanding of receptor subtypes has advanced considerably since the first iGluR subunit gene was cloned in 1989, and the research focus has expanded to encompass facets of biology that have been recently discovered and to exploit experimental paradigms made possible by technological advances. Here, we review insights from more than 3 decades of iGluR studies with an emphasis on the progress that has occurred in the past decade. We cover structure, function, pharmacology, roles in neurophysiology, and therapeutic implications for all classes of receptors assembled from the subunits encoded by the 18 ionotropic glutamate receptor genes. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Glutamate receptors play important roles in virtually all aspects of brain function and are either involved in mediating some clinical features of neurological disease or represent a therapeutic target for treatment. Therefore, understanding the structure, function, and pharmacology of this class of receptors will advance our understanding of many aspects of brain function at molecular, cellular, and system levels and provide new opportunities to treat patients.

GluN3-Containing NMDA Receptors in the Rat Nucleus Accumbens Core Contribute to Incubation of Cocaine Craving

Cue-induced cocaine craving progressively intensifies (incubates) after withdrawal from cocaine self-administration in rats and humans. In rats, the expression of incubation ultimately depends on Ca²⁺-permeable AMPARs that accumulate in synapses onto medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the NAc core. However, the delay in their accumulation (∼1 month after drug self-administration ceases) suggests earlier waves of plasticity. This prompted us to conduct the first study of NMDAR transmission in NAc core during incubation, focusing on the GluN3 subunit, which confers atypical properties when incorporated into NMDARs, including insensitivity to Mg²⁺ block and Ca²⁺ impermeability. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were conducted in MSNs of adult male rats 1-68 d after discontinuing extended-access saline or cocaine self-administration. NMDAR transmission was enhanced after 5 d of cocaine withdrawal, and this persisted for at least 68 d of withdrawal. The earliest functional alterations were mediated through increased contributions of GluN2B-containing NMDARs, followed by increased contributions of GluN3-containing NMDARs. As predicted by GluN3-NMDAR incorporation, fewer MSN spines exhibited NMDAR-mediated Ca²⁺ entry. GluN3A knockdown in NAc core was sufficient to prevent incubation of craving, consistent with biotinylation studies showing increased GluN3A surface expression, although array tomography studies suggested that adaptations involving GluN3B also occur. Collectively, our data show that a complex cascade of NMDAR and AMPAR plasticity occurs in NAc core, potentially through a homeostatic mechanism, leading to persistent increases in cocaine cue reactivity and relapse vulnerability. This is a remarkable example of experience-dependent glutamatergic plasticity evolving over a protracted window in the adult brain.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT "Incubation of craving" is an animal model for the persistence of vulnerability to cue-induced relapse after prolonged drug abstinence. Incubation also occurs in human drug users. AMPAR plasticity in medium spiny neurons (MSNs) of the NAc core is critical for incubation of cocaine craving but occurs only after a delay. Here we found that AMPAR plasticity is preceded by NMDAR plasticity that is essential for incubation and involves GluN3, an atypical NMDAR subunit that markedly alters NMDAR transmission. Together with AMPAR plasticity, this represents profound remodeling of excitatory synaptic transmission onto MSNs. Given the importance of MSNs for translating motivation into action, this plasticity may explain, at least in part, the profound shifts in motivated behavior that characterize addiction.

GluN3A NMDA receptor subunits: more enigmatic than ever?

Non-conventional N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) containing GluN3A subunits have unique biophysical, signalling and localization properties within the NMDAR family, and are typically thought to counterbalance functions of classical NMDARs made up of GluN1/2 subunits. Beyond their recognized roles in synapse refinement during postnatal development, recent evidence is building a wider perspective for GluN3A functions. Here we draw particular attention to the latest developments for this multifaceted and unusual subunit: from finely timed expression patterns that correlate with plasticity windows in developing brains or functional hierarchies in the mature brain to new insight onto presynaptic GluN3A-NMDARs, excitatory glycine receptors and behavioural impacts, alongside further connections to a range of brain disorders.

Acute D-Serine Co-Agonism of β-Cell NMDA Receptors Potentiates Glucose-Stimulated Insulin Secretion and Excitatory β-Cell Membrane Activity

Insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells express proteins characteristic of D-serine regulated synapses, but the acute effect of D-serine co-agonism on its presumptive β-cell target, N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), is unclear. We used multiple models to evaluate glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion in mice with a systemic increase in D-serine (intraperitoneal injection or DAAO mutants without D-serine catabolism) or tissue-specific loss of Grin1-encoded GluN1, the D-serine binding NMDAR subunit. We also investigated the effects of D-serine ± NMDA on glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) and β-cell depolarizing membrane oscillations, using perforated patch electrophysiology, in β-cell-containing primary isolated mouse islets. In vivo models of elevated D-serine correlated to improved blood glucose and insulin levels. In vitro, D-serine potentiated GSIS and β-cell membrane excitation, dependent on NMDAR activating conditions including GluN1 expression (co-agonist target), simultaneous NMDA (agonist), and elevated glucose (depolarization). Pancreatic GluN1-loss females were glucose intolerant and GSIS was depressed in islets from younger, but not older, βGrin1 KO mice. Thus, D-serine is capable of acute antidiabetic effects in mice and potentiates insulin secretion through excitatory β-cell NMDAR co-agonism but strain-dependent shifts in potency and age/sex-specific Grin1-loss phenotypes suggest that context is critical to the interpretation of data on the role of D-serine and NMDARs in β-cell function.

Temporal Dynamics and Neuronal Specificity of Grin3a Expression in the Mouse Forebrain

GluN3A subunits endow N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptors (NMDARs) with unique biophysical, trafficking, and signaling properties. GluN3A-NMDARs are typically expressed during postnatal development, when they are thought to gate the refinement of neural circuits by inhibiting synapse maturation, and stabilization. Recent work suggests that GluN3A also operates in adult brains to control a variety of behaviors, yet a full spatiotemporal characterization of GluN3A expression is lacking. Here, we conducted a systematic analysis of Grin3a (gene encoding mouse GluN3A) mRNA expression in the mouse brain by combining high-sensitivity colorimetric and fluorescence in situ hybridization with labeling for neuronal subtypes. We find that, while Grin3a mRNA expression peaks postnatally, significant levels are retained into adulthood in specific brain regions such as the amygdala, medial habenula, association cortices, and high-order thalamic nuclei. The time-course of emergence and down-regulation of Grin3a expression varies across brain region, cortical layer of residence, and sensory modality, in a pattern that correlates with previously reported hierarchical gradients of brain maturation and functional specialization. Grin3a is expressed in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons, with strong mRNA levels being a distinguishing feature of somatostatin interneurons. Our study provides a comprehensive map of Grin3a distribution across the murine lifespan and paves the way for dissecting the diverse functions of GluN3A in health and disease.

NMDA receptors in axons: there's no coincidence

In the textbook view, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are postsynaptically located detectors of coincident activity in Hebbian learning. However, controversial presynaptically located NMDA receptors (preNMDARs) have for decades been repeatedly reported in the literature. These preNMDARs have typically been implicated in the regulation of short-term and long-term plasticity, but precisely how they signal and what their functional roles are have been poorly understood. The functional roles of preNMDARs across several brain regions and different forms of plasticity can differ vastly, with recent discoveries showing key involvement of unusual subunit composition. Increasing evidence shows preNMDAR can signal through both ionotropic action by fluxing calcium and in metabotropic mode even in the presence of magnesium blockade. We argue that these unusual properties may explain why controversy has surrounded this receptor type. In addition, the expression of preNMDARs at some synapse types but not others can underlie synapse-type-specific plasticity. Last but not least, preNMDARs are emerging therapeutic targets in disease states such as neuropathic pain. We conclude that axonally located preNMDARs are required for specific purposes and do not end up there by accident.

Qualitative review on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor expression in rat spinal cord during the postnatal development: Implications for central sensitization and pain

The N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is an important mediator of central sensitization and nociception in the rat spinal dorsal horn. The NMDAR subunits and splice variants determine the properties of the receptor. Understanding the expression of NMDAR subunits in spinal cord during the neonatal development is important as it may have consequences for the process of central sensitization and nociception in later life. In this review, a systematic literature search was conducted using three databases: Medline, Embase, and PubMed. A quality assessment was performed on predetermined entities of bias. Thirteen articles were identified to be relevant. The results show that NMDAR subunits and splice variants are dynamically expressed during postnatal development in the spinal dorsal horn. During the first 2 weeks, the expression of less excitable GluN2A subunit and more sensitive GluN2B subunit increases while the expression of high excitable GluN2C subunit decreases. During the 2nd week of postnatal development GluN1 subunits with exon 21 spliced in but exon 22 spliced out are predominantly expressed, increasing phosphorylation, and transport to the membrane. The data suggest that in rats, the nociceptive system is most susceptible to central sensitization processes during the first two postnatal weeks. This may have important consequences for nociception and pain responses in later life. From this, we conclude that targeted therapy directed toward specific NMDAR subunits is a promising candidate for mechanism‐based treatment of pain in neonates.

Cortical cells are altered by factors including bone morphogenetic protein released from a placental barrier model under altered oxygenation

Episodes of hypoxia and hypoxia/reoxygenation during foetal development have been associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental conditions presenting in later life. The mechanism for this is not understood; however, several authors have suggested that the placenta plays an important role. Previously we found both placentas from a maternal hypoxia model and pre-eclamptic placentas from patients release factors lead to a loss of dendrite complexity in rodent neurons. Here to further explore the nature and origin of these secretions we exposed a simple in vitro model of the placental barrier, consisting of a barrier of human cytotrophoblasts, to hypoxia or hypoxia/reoxygenation. We then exposed cortical cultures from embryonic rat brains to the conditioned media (CM) from below these exposed barriers and examined changes in cell morphology, number, and receptor presentation. The barriers released factors that reduced dendrite and astrocyte process lengths, decreased GABAB1 staining, and increased astrocyte number. The changes in astrocytes required the presence of neurons and were prevented by inhibition of the SMAD pathway and by neutralising Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) 2/4. Barriers exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation also released factors that reduced dendrite lengths but increased GABAB1 staining. Both oxygen changes caused barriers to release factors that decreased GluN1, GABAAα1 staining and increased GluN3a staining. We find that hypoxia in particular will elicit the release of factors that increase astrocyte number and decrease process length as well as causing changes in the intensity of glutamate and GABA receptor staining. There is some evidence that BMPs are released and contribute to these changes.

Maternal overnutrition programs hedonic and metabolic phenotypes across generations through sperm tsRNAs

Obesity is a major public health issue worldwide. Easy accessibility of junk food is considered a major contributor to the current obesity epidemic. Thus, the impact of maternal overnutrition in determining disease susceptibility in offspring has received wide attention. It has also been shown that the effects of maternal overnutrition are not limited to the immediate offspring but can also be transmitted to successive generations. Among different epigenetic marks, sperm small noncoding RNAs (sncRNAs) have recently been reported as a direct mediator of acquired traits to the progeny following postnatal trauma or paternal diet. Here, we investigate whether sperm sncRNAs contributes to the transmission of metabolic and hedonic phenotypes across generations following maternal overnutrition.

There is a growing body of evidence linking maternal overnutrition to obesity and psychopathology that can be conserved across multiple generations. Recently, we demonstrated in a maternal high-fat diet (HFD; MHFD) mouse model that MHFD induced enhanced hedonic behaviors and obesogenic phenotypes that were conserved across three generations via the paternal lineage, which was independent of sperm methylome changes. Here, we show that sperm tRNA-derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) partly contribute to the transmission of such phenotypes. We observe increased expression of sperm tsRNAs in the F1 male offspring born to HFD-exposed dams. Microinjection of sperm tsRNAs from the F1-HFD male into normal zygotes reproduces obesogenic phenotypes and addictive-like behaviors, such as increased preference of palatable foods and enhanced sensitivity to drugs of abuse in the resultant offspring. The expression of several of the differentially expressed sperm tsRNAs predicted targets such as CHRNA2 and GRIN3A, which have been implicated in addiction pathology, are altered in the mesolimbic reward brain regions of the F1-HFD father and the resultant HFD-tsRNA offspring. Together, our findings demonstrate that sperm tsRNA is a potential vector that contributes to the transmission of MHFD-induced addictive-like behaviors and obesogenic phenotypes across generations, thereby emphasizing its role in diverse pathological outcomes.

How could N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonists Lead to Excitation Instead of Inhibition?

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are a family of ionotropic glutamate receptors mainly known to mediate excitatory synaptic transmission and plasticity. Interestingly, low-dose NMDAR antagonists lead to increased, instead of decreased, functional connectivity; and they could cause schizophrenia- and/or antidepressant-like behavior in both humans and rodents. In addition, human genetic evidences indicate that NMDAR loss of function mutations underlie certain forms of epilepsy, a disease featured with abnormal brain hyperactivity. Together, they all suggest that under certain conditions, NMDAR activation actually lead to inhibition, but not excitation, of the global neuronal network. Apparently, these phenomena are rather counterintuitive to the receptor's basic role in mediating excitatory synaptic transmission. How could it happen? Recently, this has become a crucial question in order to fully understand the complexity of NMDAR function, particularly in disease. Over the past decades, different theories have been proposed to address this question. These include theories of “NMDARs on inhibitory neurons are more sensitive to antagonism”, or “basal NMDAR activity actually inhibits excitatory synapse”, etc. Our review summarizes these efforts, and also provides an introduction of NMDARs, inhibitory neurons, and their relationships with the related diseases. Advances in the development of novel NMDAR pharmacological tools, particularly positive allosteric modulators, are also included to provide insights into potential intervention strategies.

Immuno-Pharmacological Characterization of Presynaptic GluN3A-Containing NMDA Autoreceptors: Relevance to Anti-NMDA Receptor Autoimmune Diseases

Mouse hippocampal glutamatergic nerve endings express presynaptic release-regulating NMDA autoreceptors (NMDARs). The presence of GluN1, GluN2A, GluN2B, and GluN3A subunits in hippocampal vesicular glutamate transporter type 1-positive synaptosomes was confirmed with confocal microscopy. GluN2C, GluN2D, and GluN3B immunopositivity was scarcely present. Incubation of synaptosomes with the anti-GluN1, the anti-GluN2A, the anti-GluN2B, or the anti-GluN3A antibody prevented the 30 μM NMDA/1 μM glycine-evoked [³H]D-aspartate ([³H]D-ASP) release. The NMDA/glycine-evoked [³H]D-ASP release was reduced by increasing the external protons, consistent with the participation of GluN1 subunits lacking the N1 cassette to the receptor assembly. The result also excludes the involvement of GluN1/GluN3A dimers into the NMDA-evoked overflow. Complement (1:300) released [³H]D-ASP in a dizocilpine-sensitive manner, suggesting the participation of a NMDAR-mediated component in the releasing activity. Accordingly, the complement-evoked glutamate overflow was reduced in anti-GluN-treated synaptosomes when compared to the control. We speculated that incubation with antibodies had favored the internalization of NMDA receptors. Indeed, a significant reduction of the GluN1 and GluN2B proteins in the plasma membranes of anti-GluN1 or anti-GluN2B antibody-treated synaptosomes emerged in biotinylation studies. Altogether, our findings confirm the existence of presynaptic GluN3A-containing release-regulating NMDARs in mouse hippocampal glutamatergic nerve endings. Furthermore, they unveil presynaptic alteration of the GluN subunit insertion in synaptosomal plasma membranes elicited by anti-GluN antibodies that might be relevant to the central alterations occurring in patients suffering from autoimmune anti-NMDA diseases.

Preeclamptic placentae release factors that damage neurons: implications for foetal programming of disease

Prenatal development is a critical period for programming of neurological disease. Preeclampsia, a pregnancy complication involving oxidative stress in the placenta, has been associated with long-term health implications for the child, including an increased risk of developing schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders in later life. To investigate if molecules released by the placenta may be important mediators in foetal programming of the brain, we analysed if placental tissue delivered from patients with preeclampsia secreted molecules that could affect cortical cells in culture. Application of culture medium conditioned by preeclamptic placentae to mixed cortical cultures caused changes in neurons and astrocytes that were related to key changes observed in brains of patients with schizophrenia and autism, including effects on dendrite lengths, astrocyte number as well as on levels of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid receptors. Treatment of the placental explants with an antioxidant prevented neuronal abnormalities. Furthermore, we identified that bidirectional communication between neurons and astrocytes, potentially via glutamate, is required to produce the effects of preeclamptic placenta medium on cortical cells. Analysis of possible signalling molecules in the placenta-conditioned medium showed that the secretion profile of extracellular microRNAs, small post-transcriptional regulators, was altered in preeclampsia and partially rescued by antioxidant treatment of the placental explants. Predicted targets of these differentially abundant microRNAs were linked to neurodevelopment and the placenta. The present study provides further evidence that the diseased placenta may release factors that damage cortical cells and suggests the possibility of targeted antioxidant treatment of the placenta to prevent neurodevelopmental disorders.

Colocalization of distinct NMDA receptor subtypes at excitatory synapses in the entorhinal cortex

The subunit composition of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) at synaptic inputs onto a neuron can either vary or be uniform depending on the type of neuron and/or brain region. Excitatory pyramidal neurons in the frontal and somatosensory cortices (L5), for example, show pathway-specific differences in NMDAR subunit composition in contrast with the entorhinal cortex (L3), where we now show colocalization of NMDARs with distinct subunit compositions at individual synaptic inputs onto these neurons. Subunit composition was deduced electrophysiologically based on alterations of current-voltage relationship ( I-V) profiles, amplitudes, and decay kinetics of minimally evoked, pharmacologically isolated, NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents by known subunit-preferring antagonists. The I-Vs were outwardly rectifying in a majority of neurons assayed (~80%), indicating expression of GluN1/GluN2/GluN3-containing triheteromeric NMDARs ( t-NMDARs) and of the conventional type, reversing close to 0 mV with prominent regions of negative slope, in the rest of the neurons sampled (~20%), indicating expression of GluN1/GluN2-containing diheteromeric NMDARs ( d-NMDARs). Blocking t-NMDARs in neurons with outwardly rectifying I-Vs pharmacologically unmasked d-NMDARs, with all responses antagonized using D-AP5. Coimmunoprecipitation assays of membrane-bound protein complexes isolated from the medial entorhinal area using subunit-selective antibodies corroborated stoichiometry and together suggested the coexpression of t- and d-NMDARs at these synapses. Colocalization of functionally distinct NMDAR subtypes at individual synaptic inputs likely enhances the repertoire of pyramidal neurons for information processing and plasticity within the entorhinal cortex. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The subunit composition of a N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which dictates most aspects of its function, can vary between neurons in different brain regions and/or between synaptic inputs onto single neurons. Here we demonstrate colocalization of tri- and diheteromeric-NMDA receptors at the same/single synaptic input onto excitatory neurons in the entorhinal cortex. Synaptic colocalization of distinct NMDAR subtypes might endow entorhinal cortical neurons with the ability to encode distinct patterns of neuronal activity through single synapses.

Unmasking GluN1/GluN3A excitatory glycine NMDA receptors

GluN3A and GluN3B are glycine-binding subunits belonging to the NMDA receptor (NMDAR) family that can assemble with the GluN1 subunit to form unconventional receptors activated by glycine alone. Functional characterization of GluN1/GluN3 NMDARs has been difficult. Here, we uncover two modalities that have transformative properties on GluN1/GluN3A receptors. First, we identify a compound, CGP-78608, which greatly enhances GluN1/GluN3A responses, converting small and rapidly desensitizing currents into large and stable responses. Second, we show that an endogenous GluN3A disulfide bond endows GluN1/GluN3A receptors with distinct redox modulation, profoundly affecting agonist sensitivity and gating kinetics. Under reducing conditions, ambient glycine is sufficient to generate tonic receptor activation. Finally, using CGP-78608 on P8-P12 mouse hippocampal slices, we demonstrate that excitatory glycine GluN1/GluN3A NMDARs are functionally expressed in native neurons, at least in the juvenile brain. Our work opens new perspectives on the exploration of excitatory glycine receptors in brain function and development.

Excitatory glycine GluN1/GluN3A receptors are atypical NMDARs that have been difficult to study. Here the authors identify new properties of these receptors, including potentiation by the GluN1 antagonist CGP-78608 that allows detection of functional GluN1/GluN3A receptors in the juvenile brain.

Novel drugs and early polypharmacotherapy in status epilepticus

PURPOSE

Rescue medications for status epilepticus (SE) have a relatively high rate of failure. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence for the efficacy of novel drugs and early polypharmacotherapy for SE.

METHOD

Literature review.

RESULTS

New drugs and treatment strategies aim to target the pathophysiology of SE in order to improve seizure control and outcomes. Changes at the synapse level during SE include a progressive decrease in synaptic GABA_A receptors and increase in synaptic NMDA receptors. These changes tend to promote self-sustaining seizures. Current SE guidelines recommend a rapid stepwise treatment using benzodiazepines in monotherapy as the first-line treatment, targeting GABA_A synaptic receptors. Novel treatment approaches target GABA_A synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors with allopregnanolone, and NMDA receptors with ketamine. Novel rescue treatments used for SE include topiramate, brivaracetam, and perampanel, which are already marketed in epilepsy. Some available drugs not marketed for use in epilepsy have been used in the treatment of SE, and other agents are being studied for this purpose. Early polytherapy, most frequently combining a benzodiazepine with a second-line drug or an NMDA receptor antagonist, might potentially increase seizure control with relatively minor increase in side effects. Although many preclinical studies support novel drugs and early polytherapy in SE, human studies are scarce and inconclusive. Currently, evidence is lacking to recommend specific combinations of these new agents.

CONCLUSIONS

Novel drugs and strategies target the underlying pathophysiology of SE with the intent to improve seizure control and outcomes.

N-Glycosylation Regulates the Trafficking and Surface Mobility of GluN3A-Containing NMDA Receptors

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) play critical roles in both excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. NMDARs containing the nonconventional GluN3A subunit have different functional properties compared to receptors comprised of GluN1/GluN2 subunits. Previous studies showed that GluN1/GluN2 receptors are regulated by N-glycosylation; however, limited information is available regarding the role of N-glycosylation in GluN3A-containing NMDARs. Using a combination of microscopy, biochemistry, and electrophysiology in mammalian cell lines and rat hippocampal neurons, we found that two asparagine residues (N203 and N368) in the GluN1 subunit and three asparagine residues (N145, N264 and N275) in the GluN3A subunit are required for surface delivery of GluN3A-containing NMDARs. Furthermore, deglycosylation and lectin-based analysis revealed that GluN3A subunits contain extensively modified N-glycan structures, including hybrid/complex forms of N-glycans. We also found (either using a panel of inhibitors or by studying human fibroblasts derived from patients with a congenital disorder of glycosylation) that N-glycan remodeling is not required for the surface delivery of GluN3A-containing NMDARs. Finally, we found that the surface mobility of GluN3A-containing NMDARs in hippocampal neurons is increased following incubation with 1-deoxymannojirimycin (DMM, an inhibitor of the formation of the hybrid/complex forms of N-glycans) and decreased in the presence of specific lectins. These findings provide new insight regarding the mechanisms by which neurons can regulate NMDAR trafficking and function.

Impaired social behaviors and minimized oxytocin signaling of the adult mice deficient in the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor GluN3A subunit

The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of neurological diseases, such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders (ASD), and Alzheimer's disease (AD), whose unique clinical hallmark is a constellation of impaired social and/or cognitive behaviors. GluN3A (NR3A) is a unique inhibitory subunit in the NMDAR complex. The role of GluN3A in social behavioral activities is obscure. In this study, we sought to evaluate altered social activities in adult GluN3A knockout (KO) mice. GluN3A KO mice spent less time in reciprocal social interaction in the social interaction test compared to wild-type (WT) mice. A social approach test using a three-chamber system confirmed that mice lacking GluN3A had lower sociability and did not exhibit a preference for social novelty. GluN3A KO mice displayed abnormal food preference in the social transmission of food preference task and low social interaction activity in the five-trial social memory test, but without social memory deficits. Using a home cage monitoring system, we observed reduced social grooming behavior in GluN3A KO mice. Signaling genes that might mediate the altered social behaviors were examined in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus. Among nine genes examined, the expression of the oxytocin receptor was significantly lower in the prefrontal cortex of GluN3A KO mice than that in WT mice. Oxytocin treatment rescued social activity deficits in GluN3A KO mice. These findings support a novel idea that a chronic state of moderate increases in NMDAR activities may lead to downregulation of the oxytocin signaling and impaired behavioral activities that are seen in psychiatric/neurodegenerative disorders.

The siRNA-mediated knockdown of GluN3A in 46C-derived neural stem cells affects mRNA expression levels of neural genes, including known iGluR interactors

For years, GluN3A was solely considered to be a dominant-negative modulator of NMDARs, since its incorporation into receptors alters hallmark features of conventional NMDARs composed of GluN1/GluN2 subunits. Only recently, increasing evidence has accumulated that GluN3A plays a more diversified role. It is considered to be critically involved in the maturation of glutamatergic synapses, and it might act as a molecular brake to prevent premature synaptic strengthening. Its expression pattern supports a putative role during neural development, since GluN3A is predominantly expressed in early pre- and postnatal stages. In this study, we used RNA interference to efficiently knock down GluN3A in 46C-derived neural stem cells (NSCs) both at the mRNA and at the protein level. Global gene expression profiling upon GluN3A knockdown revealed significantly altered expression of a multitude of neural genes, including genes encoding small GTPases, retinal proteins, and cytoskeletal proteins, some of which have been previously shown to interact with GluN3A or other iGluR subunits. Canonical pathway enrichment studies point at important roles of GluN3A affecting key cellular pathways involved in cell growth, proliferation, motility, and survival, such as the mTOR pathway. This study for the first time provides insights into transcriptome changes upon the specific knockdown of an NMDAR subunit in NSCs, which may help to identify additional functions and downstream pathways of GluN3A and GluN3A-containing NMDARs.

Cognitive dysfunction in Huntington's disease: mechanisms and therapeutic strategies beyond BDNF

One of the main focuses in Huntington's disease (HD) research, as well as in most neurodegenerative diseases, is the development of new therapeutic strategies, as currently there is no treatment to delay or prevent the progression of the disease. Neuronal dysfunction and neuronal death in HD are caused by a combination of interrelated pathogenic processes that lead to motor, cognitive and psychiatric symptoms. Understanding how mutant huntingtin impacts on a plethora of cellular functions could help to identify new molecular targets. Although HD has been classically classified as a neurodegenerative disease affecting voluntary movement, lately cognitive dysfunction is receiving increased attention as it is very invalidating for patients. Thus, an ambitious goal in HD research is to find altered molecular mechanisms that contribute to cognitive decline. In this review, we have focused on those findings related to corticostriatal and hippocampal cognitive dysfunction in HD, as well as on the underlying molecular mechanisms, which constitute potential therapeutic targets. These include alterations in synaptic plasticity, transcriptional machinery and neurotrophic and neurotransmitter signaling.

Neurotransmitters in the mediation of cerebral ischemic injury

Under physiological conditions, neurotransmitters shape neuronal networks and control several cellular and synaptic functions. In the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission are mediated in large part by glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which are excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, respectively. Glutamate and GABA also play crucial roles in neurological disorders such as cerebral ischemia. Glutamate in particular causes excitotoxicity, known as one of the hallmark mechanisms in the pathophysiology of cerebral ischemic injury for more than thirty years. Excitotoxicity occurs due to excessive glutamate release leading to overactivation of postsynaptic glutamate receptors, which evokes a downstream cascade that eventually leads to neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. Also, a reduction in GABA receptor response after ischemia impedes these inhibitory effectors from attenuating excitotoxicity and thereby further enabling the excitotoxic insult. This review focuses on the mechanisms by which glutamate and GABA mediate excitotoxicity and ischemic injury. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Cerebral Ischemia'.

Fast and slow Ca2+-dependent hyperpolarization mechanisms connect membrane potential and sleep homeostasis

Several lines of evidence indicate that the sleep-wake state of cortical neurons is regulated not only through neuronal projections from the lower brain, but also through the cortical neurons' intrinsic ability to initiate a slow firing pattern related to the slow-wave oscillation observed in electroencephalography of the sleeping brain. Theoretical modeling and experiments with genetic and pharmacological perturbation suggest that ion channels and kinases acting downstream of calcium signaling regulate the cortical-membrane potential and sleep duration. In this review, we introduce possible Ca²⁺-dependent hyperpolarization mechanisms in cortical neurons, in which Ca²⁺ signaling associated with neuronal excitation evokes kinase cascades, and the activated kinases modify ion channels or pumps to regulate the cortical sleep/wake firing mode.

Residues in the GluN1 C-terminal domain control kinetics and pharmacology of GluN1/GluN3A N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors

N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors assembled from GluN1 and GluN3 subunits are unique in that they form glycine-gated excitatory channels that are insensitive to glutamate and NMDA. Alternative splicing of the GluN1 subunit mRNA results in eight variants with regulated expression patterns and post-translational modifications. Here we investigate the role of residues in the GluN1 C-terminal alternatively spliced cassettes in receptor gating and modulation. We measured whole-cell currents from recombinant GluN1/GluN3A receptors expressed in HEK293 cells that differed in the sequence of their GluN1 C-terminal tail. We found that these residues controlled the level of steady-state activity and the degree to which activity was facilitated by zinc and protons. Further, we found that the phosphorylation status of sites specific to certain variants can also modulate channel activity. Based on these results we suggest that GluN1 C-terminal domain splicing may confer cell-specific and activity-dependent regulation onto the level and pharmacologic sensitivity of GluN1/GluN3A currents.

NMDA Receptors in the Central Nervous System

NMDA-type glutamate receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate a major component of excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). They are widely distributed at all stages of development and are critically involved in normal brain functions, including neuronal development and synaptic plasticity. NMDA receptors are also implicated in the pathophysiology of numerous neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. For these reasons, NMDA receptors have been intensively studied in the past several decades to elucidate their physiological roles and to advance them as therapeutic targets. Seven NMDA receptor subunits exist that assemble into a diverse array of tetrameric receptor complexes, which are differently regulated, have distinct regional and developmental expression, and possess a wide range of functional and pharmacological properties. The diversity in subunit composition creates NMDA receptor subtypes with distinct physiological roles across neuronal cell types and brain regions, and enables precise tuning of synaptic transmission. Here, we will review the relationship between NMDA receptor structure and function, the diversity and significance of NMDA receptor subtypes in the CNS, as well as principles and rules by which NMDA receptors operate in the CNS under normal and pathological conditions.

Ionotropic glutamate receptors: Which ones, when, and where in the mammalian neocortex

A multitude of 18 iGluR receptor subunits, many of which are diversified by splicing and RNA editing, localize to >20 excitatory and inhibitory neocortical neuron types defined by physiology, morphology, and transcriptome in addition to various types of glial, endothelial, and blood cells. Here we have compiled the published expression of iGluR subunits in the areas and cell types of developing and adult cortex of rat, mouse, carnivore, bovine, monkey, and human as determined with antibody- and mRNA-based techniques. iGluRs are differentially expressed in the cortical areas and in the species, and all have a unique developmental pattern. Differences are quantitative rather than a mere absence/presence of expression. iGluR are too ubiquitously expressed and of limited use as markers for areas or layers. A focus has been the iGluR profile of cortical interneuron types. For instance, GluK1 and GluN3A are enriched in, but not specific for, interneurons; moreover, the interneurons expressing these subunits belong to different types. Adressing the types is still a major hurdle because type-specific markers are lacking, and the frequently used neuropeptide/CaBP signatures are subject to regulation by age and activity and vary as well between species and areas. RNA-seq reveals almost all subunits in the two morphofunctionally characterized interneuron types of adult cortical layer I, suggesting a fairly broad expression at the RNA level. It remains to be determined whether all proteins are synthesized, to which pre- or postsynaptic subdomains in a given neuron type they localize, and whether all are involved in synaptic transmission. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:976-1033, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The transcription factor calcium-response factor limits NMDA receptor-dependent transcription in the developing brain

Neuronal activity sculpts brain development by inducing the transcription of genes such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) that modulate the function of synapses. Sensory experience is transduced into changes in gene transcription via the activation of calcium signaling pathways downstream of both L-type voltage-gated calcium channels (L-VGCCs) and NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs). These signaling pathways converge on the regulation of transcription factors including calcium-response factor (CaRF). Although CaRF is dispensable for the transcriptional induction of Bdnf following the activation of L-VGCCs, here we show that the loss of CaRF leads to enhanced NMDAR-dependent transcription of Bdnf as well as Arc. We identify the NMDAR subunit-encoding gene Grin3a as a regulatory target of CaRF, and we show that expression of both Carf and Grin3a is depressed by the elevation of intracellular calcium, linking the function of this transcriptional regulatory pathway to neuronal activity. We find that light-dependent activation of Bdnf and Arc transcription is enhanced in the visual cortex of young CaRF knockout mice, suggesting a role for CaRF-dependent dampening of NMDAR-dependent transcription in the developing brain. Finally, we demonstrate that enhanced Bdnf expression in CaRF-lacking neurons increases inhibitory synapse formation. Taken together, these data reveal a novel role for CaRF as an upstream regulator of NMDAR-dependent gene transcription and synapse formation in the developing brain. NMDARs promote brain development by inducing the transcription of genes, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We show that the transcription factor calcium-response factor (CaRF) limits NMDAR-dependent BDNF induction by regulating expression of the NMDAR subunit GluN3A. Loss of CaRF leads to enhanced BDNF-dependent GABAergic synapse formation indicating the importance of this process for brain development. Our observation that both CaRF and GluN3A are down-regulated by intracellular calcium suggests that this may be a mechanism for experience-dependent modulation of synapse formation.

Specific Roles of NMDA Receptor Subunits in Mental Disorders

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor plays important roles in learning and memory. NMDA receptors are a tetramer that consists of two glycine-binding subunits GluN1, two glutamate-binding subunits (i.e., GluN2A, GluN2B, GluN2C, and GluN2D), a combination of a GluN2 subunit and glycine-binding GluN3 subunit (i.e., GluN3A or GluN3B), or two GluN3 subunits. Recent studies revealed that the specific expression and distribution of each subunit are deeply involved in neural excitability, plasticity, and synaptic deficits. The present article summarizes reports on the dysfunction of NMDA receptors and responsible subunits in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autoimmune-induced glutamatergic receptor dysfunction, mood disorders, and autism. A key role for the GluN2D subunit in NMDA receptor antagonist-induced psychosis has been recently revealed.

Functional Properties of Human Stem Cell-Derived Neurons in Health and Disease

Stem cell-derived neurons from various source materials present unique model systems to examine the fundamental properties of central nervous system (CNS) development as well as the molecular underpinnings of disease phenotypes. In order to more accurately assess potential therapies for neurological disorders, multiple strategies have been employed in recent years to produce neuronal populations that accurately represent in vivo regional and transmitter phenotypes. These include new technologies such as direct conversion of somatic cell types into neurons and glia which may accelerate maturation and retain genetic hallmarks of aging. In addition, novel forms of genetic manipulations have brought human stem cells nearly on par with those of rodent with respect to gene targeting. For neurons of the CNS, the ultimate phenotypic characterization lies with their ability to recapitulate functional properties such as passive and active membrane characteristics, synaptic activity, and plasticity. These features critically depend on the coordinated expression and localization of hundreds of ion channels and receptors, as well as scaffolding and signaling molecules. In this review I will highlight the current state of knowledge regarding functional properties of human stem cell-derived neurons, with a primary focus on pluripotent stem cells. While significant advances have been made, critical hurdles must be overcome in order for this technology to support progression toward clinical applications.

Roles of Presynaptic NMDA Receptors in Neurotransmission and Plasticity

Presynaptic NMDA receptors (preNMDARs) play pivotal roles in excitatory neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. They facilitate presynaptic neurotransmitter release and modulate mechanisms controlling synaptic maturation and plasticity during formative periods of brain development. There is an increasing understanding of the roles of preNMDARs in experience-dependent synaptic and circuit-specific computation. In this review we summarize the latest understanding of compartment-specific expression and function of preNMDARs, and how they contribute to synapse-specific and circuit-level information processing.

Evidence for glycinergic GluN1/GluN3 NMDA receptors in hippocampal metaplasticity

Hebbian, or associative, forms of synaptic plasticity are considered the molecular basis of learning and memory. However, associative synaptic modifications, including long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), can form positive feedback loops which must be constrained for neural networks to remain stable. One proposed constraint mechanism is metaplasticity, a process whereby synaptic changes shift the threshold for subsequent plasticity. Metaplasticity has been functionally observed but the molecular basis is not well understood. Here, we report that stimulation which induces LTP recruits GluN2B-lacking GluN1/GluN3 NMDA receptors (NMDARs) to excitatory synapses of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. These unconventional receptors may compete against conventional GluN1/GluN2 NMDARs to favor synaptic depotentiation in response to subsequent "LTP-inducing" stimulation. These results implicate glycinergic GluN1/GluN3 NMDAR as molecular brakes on excessive synaptic strengthening, suggesting a role for these receptors in the brain that has previously been elusive.

Neonatal seizures alter NMDA glutamate receptor GluN2A and 3A subunit expression and function in hippocampal CA1 neurons

Neonatal seizures are commonly caused by hypoxic and/or ischemic injury during birth and can lead to long-term epilepsy and cognitive deficits. In a rodent hypoxic seizure (HS) model, we have previously demonstrated a critical role for seizure-induced enhancement of the AMPA subtype of glutamate receptor (GluA) in epileptogenesis and cognitive consequences, in part due to GluA maturational upregulation of expression. Similarly, as the expression and function of the N-Methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptor (GluN) is also developmentally controlled, we examined how early life seizures during the critical period of synaptogenesis could modify GluN development and function. In a postnatal day (P)10 rat model of neonatal seizures, we found that seizures could alter GluN2/3 subunit composition of GluNs and physiological function of synaptic GluNs. In hippocampal slices removed from rats within 48–96 h following seizures, the amplitudes of synaptic GluN-mediated evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (eEPSCs) were elevated in CA1 pyramidal neurons. Moreover, GluN eEPSCs showed a decreased sensitivity to GluN2B selective antagonists and decreased Mg²⁺ sensitivity at negative holding potentials, indicating a higher proportion of GluN2A and GluN3A subunit function, respectively. These physiological findings were accompanied by a concurrent increase in GluN2A phosphorylation and GluN3A protein. These results suggest that altered GluN function and expression could potentially contribute to future epileptogenesis following neonatal seizures, and may represent potential therapeutic targets for the blockade of future epileptogenesis in the developing brain.

Differential Effects of Pharmacologic and Genetic Modulation of NMDA Receptor Activity on HIV/gp120-Induced Neuronal Damage in an In Vivo Mouse Model

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) consists of motor and cognitive dysfunction in a relatively large percentage of patients with AIDS. Prior work has suggested that at least part of the neuronal and synaptic damage observed in HAND may occur due to excessive stimulation of NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs). Here, we compared pharmacological and genetic manipulation of NMDAR activity using an improved derivative of the NMDAR antagonist memantine, termed NitroMemantine, and the modulatory NMDAR subunit GluN3A in the HIV/gp120 transgenic (tg) mouse model of HAND. Interestingly, we found that while both NitroMemantine and GluN3A have been shown to inhibit NMDAR activity, NitroMemantine protected synapses in gp120-tg mice, but overexpression of GluN3A augmented the damage. Given recent findings in the field, one explanation for this apparently paradoxical result is the location of the NMDARs primarily affected, with NitroMemantine inhibiting predominantly extrasynaptic pathologically activated NMDARs, but GluN3A disrupting normal NMDAR-mediated neuroprotective activity via inhibition of synaptic NMDARs.

Expression of the NMDA receptor subunit GluN3A (NR3A) in the olfactory system and its regulatory role on olfaction in the adult mouse

Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the olfactory system and its N-methyl-D-aspartate-(NMDA) receptor subunits [GluN1 (NR1), GluN2A (NR2A), and GluN2B (NR2B)] are expressed at synapses in the olfactory bulb and olfactory epithelium. Thus, glutamatergic neurons and NMDA receptors play key roles in olfaction. GluN3A (NR3A) is a unique inhibitory subunit in the NMDA receptor complex; however, the expression and functional role of GluN3A in the olfactory bulb and epithelium remain unclear. The present study examined the expression patterns of GluN3A in the olfactory bulb and epithelium and explored its functional role in the olfactory system. Immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses revealed that GluN3A is abundantly expressed in different cellular layers of the olfactory bulb and epithelium of the adult wild type (WT) mice. In littermate GluN3A knockout (GluN3A(-/-); KO) mice, the expression of olfactory marker protein normally found in mature olfactory sensory neurons was significantly reduced in the olfactory bulb and epithelium. A butyl alcohol stimulus increased immediate-early gene c-Fos expression in the olfactory system of WT mice, while this response was absent in GluN3A KO mice. The level of phosphorylated Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II was significantly lower in GluN3A KO mice compared to WT mice. In buried food finding test, GluN3A mice took significantly longer time to find food compared to WT mice. Consistently, impaired odor distinguishing ability was seen in GluN3A KO mice. These findings suggest that GluN3A, expressed in the adult olfactory system, plays a significant regulatory role in olfactory development and functional activity.

A neuroprotective role of the NMDA receptor subunit GluN3A (NR3A) in ischemic stroke of the adult mouse

GluN3A or NR3A is a developmentally regulated N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit, showing a unique inhibitory role that decreases NMDAR current and the receptor-mediated Ca(2+) influx. In the neonatal brain, GluN3A is shown to associate with synaptic maturation and spine formation and plays a neuroprotective role. Its functional role in the adult brain, however, is largely unknown. We tested the hypothesis that, disrespecting the relatively lower expression level of GluN3A in the adult brain, this inhibitory NMDAR subunit shows a protective action against ischemia-induced brain injury. In littermate wild-type (WT) and GluN3A knockout (KO) mice, focal cerebral ischemia was induced by permanent occlusion of right distal branches of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) plus 10-min ligation of both common carotid arteries (CCAs). Twenty-four hours after focal cerebral ischemia, the infarction volume assessed using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was significantly larger in GluN3A KO mice compared with WT mice. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining demonstrated enhanced cell death in GluN3A KO mice. Moreover, the deletion of GluN3A hindered sensorimotor functional recovery after stroke. It is suggested that, although the expression level is relatively lower in the adult brain, GluN3A is still a noteworthy regulator in ischemia-induced excitotoxicity and brain injury.

Effects of progesterone on glutamate transporter 2 and gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter 1 expression in the developing rat brain after recurrent seizures

Seizures were induced by flurothyl inhalation. Rats were intramuscularly treated with progesterone after each seizure. Results demonstrated that glutamate transporter 2 and γ-aminobutyric acid transporter 1 expression levels were significantly increased in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of the developing rat brain following recurrent seizures. After progesterone treatment, glutamate transporter 2 protein expression was upregulated, but γ-aminobutyric acid transporter 1 levels decreased. These results suggest that glutamate transporter 2 and γ-aminobutyric acid transporter 1 are involved in the pathological processes of epilepsy. Progesterone can help maintain a balance between excitatory and inhibitory systems by modulating the amino acid transporter system, and protect the developing brain after recurrent seizures.

ER to synapse trafficking of NMDA receptors

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. There are three distinct subtypes of ionotropic glutamate receptors (GluRs) that have been identified including 2-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2-oxazol-4-yl)propanoic acid receptors (AMPARs), N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and kainate receptors. The most common GluRs in mature synapses are AMPARs that mediate the fast excitatory neurotransmission and NMDARs that mediate the slow excitatory neurotransmission. There have been large numbers of recent reports studying how a single neuron regulates synaptic numbers and types of AMPARs and NMDARs. Our current research is centered primarily on NMDARs and, therefore, we will focus in this review on recent knowledge of molecular mechanisms occurring (1) early in the biosynthetic pathway of NMDARs, (2) in the transport of NMDARs after their release from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER); and (3) at the plasma membrane including excitatory synapses. Because a growing body of evidence also indicates that abnormalities in NMDAR functioning are associated with a number of human psychiatric and neurological diseases, this review together with other chapters in this issue may help to enhance research and to gain further knowledge of normal synaptic physiology as well as of the etiology of many human brain diseases.

Glycine induces bidirectional modifications in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated synaptic responses in hippocampal CA1 neurons

Glycine can persistently potentiate or depress AMPA responses through differential actions on two binding sites: NMDA and glycine receptors. Whether glycine can induce long-lasting modifications in NMDA responses, however, remains unknown. Here, we report that glycine induces long-term potentiation (LTP) or long-term depression (LTD) of NMDA responses (Gly-LTP(NMDA) or Gly-LTD(NMDA)) in a dose-dependent manner in hippocampal CA1 neurons. These modifications of NMDA responses depend on NMDAR activation. In addition, the induction of Gly-LTP(NMDA) requires binding of glycine with NMDARs, whereas Gly-LTD(NMDA) requires that glycine bind with both sites on NMDARs and GlyRs. Moreover, activity-dependent exocytosis and endocytosis of postsynaptic NMDARs underlie glycine-induced bidirectional modification of NMDA excitatory postsynaptic currents. Thus, we conclude that glycine at different levels induces bidirectional plasticity of NMDA responses through differentially regulating NMDA receptor trafficking. Our present findings reveal important functions of the two glycine binding sites in gating the direction of synaptic plasticity in NMDA responses.

Subunit composition of neurotransmitter receptors in the immature and in the epileptic brain

Neuronal activity is critical for synaptogenesis and the development of neuronal networks. In the immature brain excitation predominates over inhibition facilitating the development of normal brain circuits, but also rendering it more susceptible to seizures. In this paper, we review the evolution of the subunit composition of neurotransmitter receptors during development, how it promotes excitation in the immature brain, and how this subunit composition of neurotransmission receptors may be also present in the epileptic brain. During normal brain development, excitatory glutamate receptors peak in function and gamma-aminobutiric acid (GABA) receptors are mainly excitatory rather than inhibitory. A growing body of evidence from animal models of epilepsy and status epilepticus has demonstrated that the brain exposed to repeated seizures presents a subunit composition of neurotransmitter receptors that mirrors that of the immature brain and promotes further seizures and epileptogenesis. Studies performed in samples from the epileptic human brain have also found a subunit composition pattern of neurotransmitter receptors similar to the one found in the immature brain. These findings provide a solid rationale for tailoring antiepileptic treatments to the specific subunit composition of neurotransmitter receptors and they provide potential targets for the development of antiepileptogenic treatments.

NMDA and AMPA receptors: development and status epilepticus

Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and ionotropic glutamate receptors mediate the majority of excitatory neurotransmission (Dingeldine et al. 1999). The high level of glutamatergic excitation allows the neonatal brain (the 2(nd) postnatal week in rat) to develop quickly but it also makes it highly prone to age-specific seizures that can cause lifelong neurological and cognitive disability (Haut et al. 2004). There are three types of ionotropic glutamate receptors (ligand-gated ion channels) named according to their prototypic agonists: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), 2-amino-3-(3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid (AMPA) and kainate (KA). During early stages of postnatal development glutamate receptors of NMDA and AMPA type undergo intensive functional changes owing to modifications in their subunit composition (Carter et al. 1988, Watanabe et al. 1992, Monyer et al. 1994, Wenzel et al. 1997, Sun et al. 1998, Lilliu et al. 2001, Kumar et al. 2002, Matsuda et al. 2002, Wee et al. 2008, Henson et al. 2010, Pachernegg et al. 2012, Paoletti et al. 2013). Participation and role of these receptors in mechanisms of seizures and epilepsy became one of the main targets of intensive investigation (De Sarro et al. 2005, Di Maio et al. 2012, Rektor 2013). LiCl/Pilocarpine (LiCl/Pilo) induced status epilepticus is a model of severe seizures resulting in development temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). This review will consider developmental changes and contribution of NMDA and AMPA receptors in LiCl/Pilo model of status epilepticus in immature rats.

In vitro ischemia triggers a transcriptional response to down-regulate synaptic proteins in hippocampal neurons

Transient global cerebral ischemia induces profound changes in the transcriptome of brain cells, which is partially associated with the induction or repression of genes that influence the ischemic response. However, the mechanisms responsible for the selective vulnerability of hippocampal neurons to global ischemia remain to be clarified. To identify molecular changes elicited by ischemic insults, we subjected hippocampal primary cultures to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), an in vitro model for global ischemia that resulted in delayed neuronal death with an excitotoxic component. To investigate changes in the transcriptome of hippocampal neurons submitted to OGD, total RNA was extracted at early (7 h) and delayed (24 h) time points after OGD and used in a whole-genome RNA microarray. We observed that at 7 h after OGD there was a general repression of genes, whereas at 24 h there was a general induction of gene expression. Genes related with functions such as transcription and RNA biosynthesis were highly regulated at both periods of incubation after OGD, confirming that the response to ischemia is a dynamic and coordinated process. Our analysis showed that genes for synaptic proteins, such as those encoding for PICK1, GRIP1, TARPγ3, calsyntenin-2/3, SAPAP2 and SNAP-25, were down-regulated after OGD. Additionally, OGD decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of the GluA1 AMPA receptor subunit as well as the GluN2A and GluN2B subunits of NMDA receptors, but increased the mRNA expression of the GluN3A subunit, thus altering the composition of ionotropic glutamate receptors in hippocampal neurons. Together, our results present the expression profile elicited by in vitro ischemia in hippocampal neurons, and indicate that OGD activates a transcriptional program leading to down-regulation in the expression of genes coding for synaptic proteins, suggesting that the synaptic proteome may change after ischemia.

The neural rejuvenation hypothesis of cocaine addiction

A leading hypothesis guiding current molecular and cellular research into drug addiction conceptualizes key aspects of addiction as a form of memory in which common neuroplasticity mechanisms that mediate normal learning and memory processes are 'hijacked' by exposure to drugs of abuse to produce pathologic addiction-related memories. Such addiction-related memories are particularly robust and long-lasting and once formed are less amenable to updating. Here we propose a neural rejuvenation hypothesis of cocaine addiction. According to this hypothesis, repeated exposure to drugs of abuse induces some plasticity mechanisms normally associated with brain development within the reward circuitry that mediate the highly efficient and unusually stable memory abnormalities that characterize addiction.

Subunit composition of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in status epilepticus

PURPOSE

To describe the subunit composition of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in brain tissue from patients with different types of status epilepticus.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The subunit composition of glutamate and GABA receptors was analyzed in: (1) surgical brain samples from three patients with refractory convulsive status epilepticus, three patients with electrical status epilepticus in sleep, and six patients with refractory epilepsy, and (2) brain autopsy samples from four controls who died without neurological disorders. Subunit expression was quantified with Western blotting and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression was quantified with reverse polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Western blot analysis demonstrated the following patterns (as compared to controls): (1) alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors: elevated GluA1/GluA2 ratio in electrical status epilepticus in sleep (465%±119) and refractory epilepsy (329%±125; p<0.01); (2) N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors: increased GluN2B/GluN2A ratio in electrical status epilepticus in sleep (3682%±1000) and refractory convulsive status epilepticus (3520%±751; p<0.05); (3) GABA receptors: elevated α2/α1 ratio in refractory epilepsy (321%±138; p<0.05) and refractory convulsive status epilepticus (346%±74; p<0.05); and (4) patients with underlying malformation of cortical development had increased ratios in GluA1/GluA2 (382%±149; p<0.01), GluN2B/GluN2A (3321%±1581; p<0.05) and α2/α1 (303%±86; p<0.01). Quantification of mRNA demonstrated an elevated GABRA2/GABRA1 ratio in refractory epilepsy (712; p<0.05) as compared to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The subunit composition of glutamate and GABA receptors in patients with status epilepticus mirrors that found in animal models of refractory status epilepticus and may promote self-sustaining seizures. Receptor subunit changes may provide additional targets for improved treatment.