Synaptic and extrasynaptic distribution of NMDA receptors in the cortex of Alzheimer's disease patients.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Synaptic and extrasynaptic distribution of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) has not been addressed in the brain from Alzheimer´s disease (AD) subjects, despite their contribution to neurodegeneration.

Methods

We have developed a protocol to isolate synaptic and extrasynaptic membranes from controls and AD frontal cortex. We characterized the distribution of the NMDAR subunits GluN2B, GluN2A, GluN1, and GluN3A, as well as post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation and glycosylation.

Results

Lower levels of synaptic GluN2B and GluN2A were found in AD fractions, while extrasynaptic GluN2B and GluN1 levels were significantly higher; GluN3A distribution remained unaffected in AD. We also identified different glycoforms of GluN2B and GluN2A

SUBMITTER: Escamilla S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11667538 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature