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Published on: May 3, 2017
Ionotropic glutamate receptors & CNS disorders
1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada. derek.bowie@mcgill.ca
CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug Targets
|June 10, 2008
Summary
Central nervous system (CNS) disorders involve complex factors, including genetics and environment. This review highlights ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) as critical targets for understanding and treating CNS diseases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Central nervous system (CNS) disorders are complex and challenging for medicine.
- Etiology often involves genetics, epigenetics, environment, and neurotransmitter systems.
- Current treatments focus on symptom management via pharmacological agents modifying neurotransmitter signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) and their roles in CNS disorders.
- To argue that understanding of iGluRs has reached a critical point for re-evaluation.
- To illustrate iGluR involvement in specific CNS conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs).
- Analysis of iGluR function in relation to CNS disorder pathology.
- Highlighting specific examples like AMPA and kainate receptors.
Main Results:
- Defects in AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking are implicated in fragile X mental retardation.
- Ectopic expression of kainate receptor (KAR) synapses contributes to temporal lobe epilepsy.
- Advances in neurotransmitter system studies offer new therapeutic avenues.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive re-evaluation of iGluRs' role in disease causation is now possible.
- Targeting iGluRs presents opportunities for developing curative treatments for CNS disorders.
- Future research may shift focus from symptom management to cures for CNS conditions.
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