GluN2A: A Promising Target for Developing Novel Antidepressants

作者：Gang Wang, Qi Wang, Qiu-Hua Liu, Wei Guan · 发表于：The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology · 年份：2024 · DOI：10.1093/ijnp/pyae037 · 被引用次数：11 · 研究领域：Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research、Tryptophan and brain disorders、Treatment of Major Depression

BACKGROUND: Depression is a heterogeneous disorder with high morbidity and disability rates that poses serious problems regarding mental health care. It is now well established that N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) modulators are being increasingly explored as potential therapeutic options for treating depression, although relatively little is known about their mechanisms of action. NMDARs are glutamate-gated ion channels that are ubiquitously expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), and they have been shown to play key roles in excitatory synaptic transmission. GluN2A, the predominant Glu2N subunit of functional NMDARs in neurons, is involved in various physiological processes in the CNS and is associated with diseases such as anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia. However, the role of GluN2A in the pathophysiology of depression has not yet been elucidated. METHODS: We reviewed several past studies to better understand the function of GluN2A in depression. Additionally, we also summarized the pathogenesis of depression based on the regulation of GluN2A expression, particularly its interaction with neuroinflammation and neurogenesis, which has received considerable critical attention and is highly implicated in the onset of depression. RESULTS: These evidence suggests that GluN2A overexpression impairs structural and functional synaptic plasticity, which contributes to the development of depression. Consequently, this knowledge is vital for the development of sele...