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Updated: Dec 26, 2025
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
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D-Serine, the Shape-Shifting NMDA Receptor Co-agonist
Joseph T Coyle1, Darrick Balu2,3, Herman Wolosker4
1Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, 02478, USA. joseph_coyle@hms.harvard.edu.
Neurochemical Research
|March 20, 2020
Summary
D-serine has presented multiple identities, including a neurotransmitter and excitotoxin. This review examines evidence and artifacts to clarify the true role of D-serine in the brain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The amino acid D-serine has been implicated in various neurological functions.
- Its proposed roles include neurotransmission and excitotoxicity, leading to conflicting interpretations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse proposed identities of D-serine.
- To critically evaluate the evidence supporting each proposed role.
- To identify artifacts that may have misled research on D-serine's function.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating D-serine.
- Analysis of experimental evidence for D-serine's proposed functions.
- Identification and discussion of methodological artifacts.
Main Results:
- D-serine has been identified as a glial transmitter, a neuronal co-transmitter, an autocrine modulator, and an excitotoxic agent.
- Evidence suggests artifacts have contributed to misinterpretations of D-serine's roles.
- The precise physiological and pathological functions of D-serine remain debated.
Conclusions:
- The multifaceted roles of D-serine necessitate careful interpretation of experimental data.
- Distinguishing between D-serine's physiological and pathological functions is crucial.
- Further research is needed to definitively establish the true identity and function of D-serine in the central nervous system.
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