NAB-14

NAB-14 is a selective small-molecule inhibitor of the GluN2C and GluN2D subunits of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. It is primarily utilized in neuropsychiatric research to investigate the role of specific NMDA receptor subunits in brain function and disease. Unlike non-selective NMDA antagonists like ketamine, NAB-14 preferentially targets GluN2D-containing receptors located on GABAergic interneurons. By inhibiting these receptors, NAB-14 modulates inhibitory circuits in the hippocampus, restoring the excitation-inhibition balance and enhancing synaptic plasticity. Preclinical evidence suggests that NAB-14 can produce rapid antidepressant-like effects with a potentially reduced side-effect profile compared to broader glutamatergic interventions, making it a promising candidate for the development of novel therapies for major depressive disorder.