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NMDA Receptor Subunits Change after Synaptic Plasticity Induction and Learning and Memory Acquisition
María Verónica Baez1, Magalí Cecilia Cercato1, Diana Alicia Jerusalinsky1
1Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis", UBA-CONICET, School of Medicine, University of Buenos Aires, 2155 Paraguay St., 1121 CABA, Argentina.
Neural Plasticity
|May 1, 2018
Summary
Changes in NMDA ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDARs), specifically GluN2A subunits, are vital for synaptic plasticity and memory. Their surface levels increase rapidly after stimulation, involving mobilization and local synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- NMDA ionotropic glutamate receptors (NMDARs) are critical for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
- NMDARs comprise essential GluN1 subunits and regulatory subunits (e.g., GluN2A, GluN2B) that dictate receptor function.
- The dynamic regulation of GluN2A and GluN2B subunits in cognitive brain regions like the hippocampus is not fully understood, particularly following plasticity induction or memory acquisition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current knowledge on the specific changes in NMDAR subunits, focusing on GluN2A, after synaptic plasticity induction and memory formation.
- To explore hypotheses regarding the mechanisms of NMDAR regulation, including receptor mobilization, local translation, and de novo synthesis.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review, synthesizing existing research data and proposed hypotheses.
- It integrates findings related to receptor trafficking, synaptic plasticity, and memory consolidation processes.
- Focuses on changes in GluN1 and GluN2A subunit expression and localization.
Main Results:
- Synaptic stimulation rapidly increases surface GluN2A-NMDARs at postsynapses, primarily through lateral receptor mobilization.
- Synaptic plasticity and memory consolidation involve the assembly of additional GluN2A-NMDARs, likely via local GluN2A translation and GluN1 from the endoplasmic reticulum.
- NMDAR levels exhibit dynamic changes, including transport, expression, and degradation waves, leading to a net increase at the postsynaptic site and elevated expression in both spines and neuronal soma.
Conclusions:
- NMDAR regulation is a multi-faceted process involving rapid surface recruitment and slower assembly/synthesis mechanisms.
- Specific changes in NMDAR subunits, particularly GluN2A, are tightly linked to the induction of synaptic plasticity and spatial memory formation.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex spatiotemporal dynamics of NMDAR transport, expression, and degradation.
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