Ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit NMDA type 2B (GluN2B (also known as NR2B))

The **ionotropic glutamate receptor subunit NMDA type 2B (GluN2B)** is a core protein subunit of the NMDA receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel type crucial for calcium-permeable excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system[1][3]. NMDA receptors are heterotetramers composed of two obligatory GluN1 subunits and two GluN2 (A-D) or GluN3 subunits. The GluN2B subunit dictates critical aspects of NMDA receptor pharmacology, synaptic localization, kinetics, modulatory properties, and developmental and regional expression patterns[1][3][7]. GluN2B-containing NMDA receptors are most abundant in the developing brain but remain important in adult forebrain and hippocampus, contributing to synaptic plasticity, learning and memory formation, and a variety of physiological and pathological brain functions[1][3][4]. Allosteric modulators (such as ifenprodil) and channel blockers (like ketamine and memantine) specifically target GluN2B-containing receptors, making this subunit a key therapeutic target for a range of neurological and psychiatric disorders[7]. Modulation of GluN2B function presents opportunities for disease intervention, but balancing efficacy and safety remains a central therapeutic challenge[1][7].

Other names

Glutamate [NMDA] receptor subunit 2BN-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunit 2BNR2B subunitGRIN2B (gene symbol)

Non-competitive antagonism at modulatory (allosteric) sites (e.g., ifenprodil, Ro 25-6981) - Channel pore block (open-channel blockers; e.g., ketamine, memantine, dizocilpine) - Competitive antagonism at glutamate or glycine binding sites (rare for GluN2B specifically)