Expression of NMDAR1-1a (N598Q)/NMDAR2A receptors results in decreased cell mortality

Transient expression of wild-type N-methyl-D-aspartate, NMDAR1-1a/NMDAR2A heteromeric receptors, in mammalian cells yields cell death which was prevented by the inclusion of NMDA receptor antagonists in the cell culture media post-transfection. Transient expression of mutant NMDAR1-1a (N598Q)/NMDAR2A receptors resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage of cell death post-transfection. This mutation has been shown to reduce the Ca2+ permeability of cloned NMDA receptors. Thus these results provide indirect evidence for cell death via an NMDA receptor, Ca(2+)-mediated mechanism.