Targeting NMDA receptor signaling for therapeutic intervention in brain disorders

N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hyperfunction plays a key role in the pathological processes of depression and neurodegenerative diseases, whereas NMDA receptor hypofunction is implicated in schizophrenia. Considerable efforts have been made to target NMDA receptor function for the therapeutic intervention in those brain disorders. In this mini-review, we first discuss ion flux-dependent NMDA receptor signaling and ion flux-independent NMDA receptor signaling that result from structural rearrangement upon binding of endogenous agonists. Then, we review current strategies for exploring druggable targets of the NMDA receptor signaling and promising future directions, which are poised to result in new therapeutic agents for several brain disorders.

Automated summary

This mini-review examines the role of N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor hyperfunction in depression and neurodegenerative diseases, and NMDA receptor hypofunction in schizophrenia. It discusses both ion flux-dependent and ion flux-independent signaling of the NMDA receptor, and reviews current strategies and promising future directions for developing therapeutic agents targeting NMDA receptor signaling.