ZJ43

ZJ43 is a **potent inhibitor of glutamate carboxypeptidase II and III (also known as GCP II, GCP III, NAAG peptidase, or NAALADase)**. It significantly inhibits the hydrolysis of the peptide neurotransmitter N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG), increasing NAAG levels in synaptic clefts. NAAG acts as an agonist at group II metabotropic glutamate receptors, particularly **mGluR3**, resulting in neuroprotective and analgesic effects. ZJ43 has shown efficacy in animal models for reducing neuronal degeneration after traumatic brain injury and producing analgesia in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. These pharmacological effects are mediated by the elevation of NAAG and subsequent activation of presynaptic mGluR3, dampening excess excitatory glutamate transmission. ZJ43 does not directly interact with NMDA receptors or other metabotropic glutamate receptors[1][2][3][4][5][7][9][10].

Other names

N-[[[(1S)-1-Carboxy-3-methylbutyl]amino]carbonyl]-L-glutamic acid