Mechanism of action of novel subunit-selective NMDA receptor modulators

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DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): N-methyl-D-aspartate-selective glutamate receptors (NMDA receptors) are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate excitatory synaptic transmission in the brain and spinal cord. NMDA receptors are heteromultimers comprised of two glycine-binding NR1 subunits and two glutamate-binding NR2 subunits, of which there are four family members (NR2A,B,C,D). NMDA receptors are involved in many normal brain functions such as neuronal development, learning, memory, in addition to their roles in neuropathological conditions such as stroke, epilepsy, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Since its first description, the NR2B-selective NMDA receptor antagonist ifenprodil and its many analogues have been used in a multitude of studies exploring the role of this subunit in virtually every aspect of brain function including behavior, cognition, synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, and neuropathology. However, no highly selective antagonists have yet been described for NR2A-, NR2C-, or NR2D-containing receptors. We therefore developed an assay to identify non-competitive allosteric modulators of NR2C- and NR2D-containing NMDA receptors, and subsequently screened ~60,000 compounds for new subunit-selective antagonists and potentiators. The result was the identification of two structurally unique classes of compounds that are 100-500 fold selective inhibitors of NR1/NR2C and NR1/NR2D compared to NR2A- or NR2B-containing receptors or AMPA/kainate receptors. We also identified two structurally distinct classes of potentiators that are selective for NR2C/D-containing receptors. These new non-competitive allosteric modulators represent a breakthrough opportunity to study the role of the NR2C/D subunits in normal brain function and in neurological diseases. This proposal addresses 3 questions using these subunit-selective modulators. 1. What are the structural determinants of NR2C/D-selective inhibitors and potentiators? We will utilize site-directed mutagenesis, exploiting sequence differences between NR2A/B and NR2C/D, to identify key residues that mediate the actions of three classes of NR2C/D-selective potentiators and inhibitors. 2. What is the mechanism of action of NR2C/D selective inhibitors and potentiators? We will analyze macroscopic and single channel currents recorded under voltage clamp to define the mechanism of action of the non-competitive NR2C/NR2D inhibitors as well as NR2C/NR2D potentiators. 3. How do NR2C/D modulators alter synaptic signaling and neuronal excitability? We will evaluate the effect of inhibition and potentiation of NR2D-containing NMDA receptors at the cortical-subthalamic neuron synapse and NR2C/D-containing NMDA receptors at afferent excitatory synapses onto hippocampal interneurons in brain slices. Experiments will test the synaptic response to stimulus trains in the presence of NR2C/D modulators. We will also use these new pharmacological tools to investigate whether interneuron and subthalamic neuron excitability and spiking frequency can be altered through inhibition or potentiation of NR2C/D-containing receptors.