Open AccessA glutamate concentration‐biased allosteric modulator potentiates NMDA‐induced ion influx in neurons
Author(s) -
Costa Blaise M.,
Kwapisz Lina Cortés,
Mehrkens Brittney,
Bledsoe Douglas N.,
Vacca Bryan.,
Johnston Tullia V.,
Razzaq Rehan,
Manickam Dhanasekaran,
Klein Bradley G.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
pharmacology research and perspectives
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.975
H-Index - 27
ISSN - 2052-1707
DOI - 10.1002/prp2.859
Subject(s) - nmda receptor , glutamate receptor , allosteric modulator , allosteric regulation , agonist , neuroscience , chemistry , pharmacology , neurotransmission , long term depression , biophysics , ion channel , receptor , biology , ampa receptor , biochemistry
Precisely controlled synaptic glutamate concentration is essential for the normal function of the N‐methyl D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Atypical fluctuations in synaptic glutamate homeostasis lead to aberrant NMDA receptor activity that results in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Therefore, glutamate concentration‐dependent NMDA receptor modulators would be clinically useful agents with fewer on‐target adverse effects. In the present study, we have characterized a novel compound (CNS4) that potentiates NMDA receptor currents based on glutamate concentration. This compound alters glutamate potency and exhibits no voltage‐dependent effect. Patch‐clamp electrophysiology recordings confirmed agonist concentration‐dependent changes in maximum inducible currents. Dynamic Ca 2+ and Na + imaging assays using rat brain cortical, striatal and cerebellar neurons revealed CNS4 potentiated ion influx through native NMDA receptor activity. Overall, CNS4 is novel in chemical structure, mechanism of action and agonist concentration‐biased allosteric modulatory effect. This compound or its future analogs will serve as useful candidates to develop drug‐like compounds for the treatment of treatment‐resistant schizophrenia and major depression disorders associated with hypoglutamatergic neurotransmission.