Glutamate Receptor Ionotropic, NMDA (NMDAR)

The NMDA receptor (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) is a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors, which are ligand-gated ion channels primarily responsible for mediating excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system. It is a heterotetrameric complex typically composed of two GluN1 subunits and two GluN2 or GluN3 subunits. Upon activation by glutamate and glycine, it acts as a nonselective cation channel allowing passage of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ ions. Its voltage-dependent block by Mg2+ ions makes it a coincidence detector critical for synaptic plasticity. Implicated in numerous neurological conditions including epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases, and schizophrenia.

Other names

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptorNMDA receptorNMDARGlutamate receptor, ionotropic, NMDA type

Ligand binding (glutamate and glycine) and membrane depolarization to relieve Mg2+ block, leading to ion channel opening and influx of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ ions.