Forebrain GluN2A overexpression impairs fear extinction and NMDAR-dependent long-term depression in the lateral amygdala

Background Depression is a heterogeneous disorder with high morbidity and disability rates that poses serious problems in regard to mental health care. It is now well established that N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) modulators are being increasingly explored as potential therapeutic options for treating depression, although relatively little is known about their mechanisms of action. NMDARs are glutamate-gated ion channels that are ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and they have been shown to play key roles in excitatory synaptic transmission. GluN2A, the predominant Glu2N subunit of functional NMDARs in neurons, is involved in various physiological processes in the CNS and is associated with diseases such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. However, the role of GluN2A in the pathophysiology of depression has not yet been elucidated. Methods We reviewed several past studies in order to better understand the function of GluN2A in depression. Additionally, we also summarized the pathogenesis of depression based on the regulation of GluN2A expression, particularly its interaction with neuroinflammation and neurogenesis, which has received considerable critical attention and is highly implicated in the onset of depression. Results These evidences suggest that GluN2A overexpression impairs structural and functional synaptic plasticity, which contributes to the development of depression. Consequently, this knowledge is vital for the development of selective antagonists targeting GluN2A subunits using pharmacological and molecular methods. Conclusions Specific inhibition of GluN2A NMDAR subunit is resistant to chronic stress-induced depressive-like behaviors, making them promising targets for the development of novel antidepressants.

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Forebrain GluN2A overexpression impairs fear extinction and NMDAR-dependent long-term depression in the lateral amygdala

Cited by 2 publications

References 71 publications

Epileptiform activity induced metaplasticity impairs bidirectional plasticity in the hippocampal CA1 synapses via GluN2B NMDA receptors

Epileptiform activity induced metaplasticity impairs bidirectional plasticity in the hippocampal CA1 synapses via GluN2B NMDA receptors

GluN2A: A Promising Target for Developing Novel Antidepressants

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