Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 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
9.2K
The NMDAR-BK channelosomes as regulators of synaptic plasticity
Rebeca Martínez-Lazaro1,2, Andrea Reyes-Carrión1,2, David Bartolomé-Martín2,3
1Departamento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud-sección Medicina, Universidad de La Laguna, Tenerife, ES-38071, Spain.
Biochemical Society Transactions
|January 28, 2025
Summary
Large conductance voltage- and calcium-activated potassium channels (BK channels) are crucial in the central nervous system. This review details their coupling with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and implications for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Channelopathies
Background:
- Large conductance voltage- and calcium-activated potassium channels (BK channels) are vital for neuronal function in the central nervous system.
- BK channels are activated by membrane depolarization and intracellular calcium, often from localized sources.
- The functional coupling of BK channels with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) was first observed in 2001.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of BK channel-NMDAR macrocomplexes in the brain.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the interaction between BK channels and NMDARs.
- To explore the potential roles of these macrocomplexes in neurodevelopmental disorders and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on BK channels and NMDARs.
- Analysis of studies demonstrating functional coupling in various brain regions.
- Synthesis of data on molecular interactions and pathophysiological relevance.
Main Results:
- BK channels and NMDARs form functional macrocomplexes in the brain.
- This coupling is significant for neuronal function and has been implicated in pathophysiology.
- Evidence supports the role of these interactions in various brain regions beyond the olfactory bulb.
Conclusions:
- BK channel-NMDAR interactions are critical molecular players in neuronal function.
- Understanding these macrocomplexes offers potential for novel therapeutic strategies for neurodevelopmental disorders.
- Further research into these interactions may uncover new treatment avenues.
Related Concept Videos
01:03Long-term Depression
2.5K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
2.5K
01:12Synaptic Signaling
74.7K
Neurons communicate at synapses, or junctions, to excite or inhibit the activity of other neurons or target cells, such as muscles. Synapses may be chemical or electrical.
74.7K
01:25Long-term Potentiation
2.7K
Long-term potentiation, or LTP, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTP is the process of synaptic strengthening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic strengthening of LTP works in opposition to the synaptic weakening of long-term depression (LTD) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...
Hebbian LTP
LTP can occur when...
2.7K
01:30Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Receptor: Gating Mechanism
2.1K
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...
2.1K
01:45Regulation of Nuclear Protein Sorting
2.4K
Nuclear protein sorting regulates nucleus composition and gene expression, crucial for determining the fate of a eukaryotic cell. Hence, the entry and exit of molecules across the nuclear envelope is a tightly controlled process. Nuclear protein sorting can be inhibited by one of the following ways: 1) masking cargo signal sequences, 2) modifying the nuclear receptor's affinity for cargo, 3) controlling the nuclear pore size, 4) retaining the cargo during its transit to the cytosol or the...
2.4K
01:23Role of Neurotransmitters in Memory
404
Neurotransmitters are integral to the brain's communication system, enabling neurons to transmit signals across synapses. This chemical exchange underpins various cognitive functions, including memory processes. The role of neurotransmitters in memory is multifaceted, influencing the encoding, consolidation, and retrieval of memories through their action on different neural circuits.
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
Glutamate and Synaptic Plasticity
Glutamate, the brain's main excitatory neurotransmitter, is...
404