D-serine

D-serine is the D-enantiomer of serine, a non-essential amino acid found naturally in humans. Unlike L-serine, which is incorporated into proteins during translation, D-serine functions primarily as a neuromodulator in the brain. It acts as an essential coagonist at the glycine-binding site on NMDA-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs), enabling their activation when also bound by glutamate. This role makes it critical for synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission related to learning and memory. While not itself considered a classical drug target like a receptor or enzyme—rather serving as an endogenous ligand—its metabolism and signaling pathways are under investigation for therapeutic intervention in neurological diseases such as schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Note: D-serine is not itself considered a "therapeutic target" such as a receptor or enzyme; rather it is an endogenous small molecule/ligand that interacts with targets like the NMDA receptor. Therefore, listing "D-serine" alone does not fit standard definitions for drug targets—it would be more accurate to refer to "NMDA-type glutamate receptor" if seeking information about its primary pharmacological interaction partner.

Other names

(2R)-2-amino-3-hydroxypropanoic acid(R)-serineD-(−)-serineβ-hydroxyalanineH-D-SER-OHD-serinDW75P1010

As an endogenous ligand/coagonist at the glycine site of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), D-serine enhances glutamate-mediated activation of these receptors. It does not act on its own molecular target but modulates receptor function by binding to NMDARs alongside glutamate.