The positive allosteric modulator BPAM344 and L-glutamate introduce an active-like structure of the ligand-binding domain of GluK2
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Updated: Jul 2, 2025

Author Spotlight: Exploring Cellular Processes by Modeling Ligands in Cryo-EM Maps
Published on: July 19, 2024
Yasmin Bay1, Mie Egeberg Jeppesen1, Karla Frydenvang1
1Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
Kainate receptors belong to the family of ionotropic glutamate receptors and contribute to the majority of fast excitatory neurotransmission. Consequently, they also play a role in brain diseases. Therefore, understanding how these receptors can be modulated is of importance. Our study provides a crystal structure of the dimeric ligand-binding domain of the kainate receptor GluK2 in complex with L-glutamate and the small-molecule positive allosteric modulator, BPAM344, in an active-like conformation. The role of Thr535 and Gln786 in modulating GluK2 by BPAM344 was investigated using a calcium-sensitive fluorescence-based assay on transiently transfected cells expressing GluK2 and mutants hereof. This study may aid in the design of compounds targeting kainate receptors, expanding their potential as targets for the treatment of brain diseases.
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