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Updated: May 20, 2026
04:48
A High-throughput Calcium-flux Assay to Study NMDA-receptors with Sensitivity to Glycine/D-serine and Glutamate
Published on: July 10, 2018
The NMDA receptor as a target for cognitive enhancement
Graham L Collingridge1, Arturas Volianskis, Neil Bannister
1MRC Centre for Synaptic Plasticity, School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS1 3NY, UK. G.L.Collingridge@bristol.ac.uk
Neuropharmacology
|July 17, 2012
Summary
Enhancing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) function is key to improving learning, memory, and combating cognitive decline. This review explores strategies for NMDAR potentiation, emphasizing a balanced approach to avoid detrimental overactivation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are crucial for neural plasticity, learning, and memory.
- Cognitive decline in aging populations presents a significant challenge, driving research into cognitive enhancers.
- Enhancing NMDAR function is a primary strategy for developing treatments for cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review methods for potentiating NMDAR function.
- To discuss the potential of both positive and negative modulation for enhancing cognitive function.
- To introduce novel positive allosteric modulators (allosteric modulators) of NMDARs.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on NMDAR modulation.
- Analysis of direct and indirect strategies for potentiating NMDAR activity.
- Description of novel positive allosteric modulators with subunit selectivity.
Main Results:
- Both positive and negative modulation can enhance NMDAR function, suggesting a need for precise clinical application.
- Careful avoidance of excessive NMDAR activation is critical to prevent deleterious effects.
- Novel positive allosteric modulators demonstrate potential in affecting NMDAR-mediated events.
Conclusions:
- Targeted potentiation of NMDARs offers a promising avenue for addressing cognitive decline.
- A nuanced approach to NMDAR modulation is necessary to optimize therapeutic benefits while minimizing risks.
- Further research into subunit-selective allosteric modulators may yield effective cognitive enhancers.
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