Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
08:27
Single Synapse Indicators of Glutamate Release and Uptake in Acute Brain Slices from Normal and Huntington Mice
Published on: March 11, 2020
Translating glutamate: from pathophysiology to treatment
Daniel C Javitt1, Darryle Schoepp, Peter W Kalivas
1Translational Schizophrenia Research Center, Nathan Kline Institute/Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA. javitt@nki.rfmh.org
Science Translational Medicine
|September 30, 2011
Summary
Glutamate neurotransmission is key in brain function and neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression. Despite advances, developing effective treatments requires better biomarkers and collaborative research efforts.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurobiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain.
- Dysregulation of glutamatergic function is linked to neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, addiction, autism, and depression.
- Current understanding of these disorders has not yet led to FDA-approved treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in understanding the role of glutamate in neuropsychiatric disorders.
- To identify key barriers hindering the translation of basic research into clinical treatments.
- To highlight the need for enhanced collaborative efforts in drug development.
Main Methods:
- Review of an Institute of Medicine-sponsored meeting.
- Discussion of current glutamatergic theories in neuropsychiatric illness.
- Analysis of challenges in developing novel therapeutics and biomarkers.
Main Results:
- Significant progress has been made in understanding glutamatergic theories of neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Existing barriers include the need for improved therapeutic compounds, sensitive biomarkers for target engagement, and effective translational models.
- Unique collaborative models involving pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and academic institutions are essential.
Conclusions:
- Advances in glutamatergic research offer new insights into neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Overcoming translational barriers requires innovation in biomarker development and collaborative research frameworks.
- Future progress necessitates integrated approaches to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical application.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins that play a vital role in intercellular communication and functions of the nervous system. They allow the influx of ions across the membrane once the neurotransmitter binds, allowing the subsequent transmission of electrical excitation across the neurons. Other ligand-gated ion channels, like the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor, permit anions like chloride into the cells on the binding of the GABA molecule. Their entry into the cell...
01:19Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels are transmembrane proteins with a channel for ions to pass through and a binding site for a ligand. The channel opens only when a ligand attaches to the binding site.
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...
Three Subfamilies of Ligand-gated Ion Channels
Ligand-gated ion channels fall into three subfamilies. The 'Cys-loop' includes the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors. The second one is the 'Pore-loop' channels that include the...
01:14Antiepileptic Drugs: Glutamate Antagonists
Glutamate is a fundamental neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, playing a vital role in neuronal communication and various cognitive processes. Glutamate stands as the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. Its presence is crucial for the communication between neurons, underpinning essential processes such as synaptic transmission, neuronal excitability, and plasticity. These functions are vital for higher-order cognitive processes, including learning and memory. The...
01:27Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
01:29Amino Acid Biosynthetic Pathways
Amino acid biosynthesis is essential for cell growth, protein synthesis, and metabolic regulation. Cells generate essential and non-essential amino acids from metabolic intermediates to sustain vital biological functions. These intermediates originate from key metabolic pathways: glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and the pentose phosphate pathway. Important precursors include α-ketoglutarate, pyruvate, oxaloacetate, phosphoenolpyruvate, and erythrose-4-phosphate, which provide...
01:26Neurochemical Transmission: Sites of Drug Action
Neurochemical transmission, the conduction of electrical impulses between neurons mediated by neurotransmitters, plays a vital role in various physiological processes. Autonomic drugs exert their effects by modulating neurotransmission within the autonomic nervous system. For instance, drugs such as hemicholinium block the precursor uptake necessary for synthesizing acetylcholine, an essential autonomic neurotransmitter. Following synthesis, neurotransmitters are stored in vesicles. Metyrosine...