From left to right: the NMDA and AMPA receptors transport calcium cations into neurons after being activated by the neurotransmitter glutamate and the GABA receptor (right) transport chloride anions after the activation by gamma aminobutyrate. [Adobe Stock]
Much of the world is grappling with a mental health crisis — with soaring rates of depression and anxiety. Last year, the startup Gate Neurosciences emerged with a novel approach. While the Carmel, Indiana–based company is focused on synaptic plasticity like many other contemporary CNS companies, it diverges in its strategy. Rather than using a traditional occupancy-based model, which intends to achieve therapeutic effects by ensuring the continued presence of the drug in the body and binding at target receptors, the company’s aim is to ensure that effects persist even after a drug is no longer biochemically active in the body Gate’s approach to even…Study suggests mGlyR could be a promising antidepressant target
A model illustrates glycine molecules (teal) interacting with GPR158 brain cell receptors, influencing the nervous system. [Martemyanov lab, The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute]
A study published in Science has revealed important information about a brain receptor known as mGlyR, which could be a potential antidepressant target. An abbreviation of “metabotropic glycine receptor,” mGlyR is highly active in the brain’s medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Abnormal activity in the brain region is associated with depression.Formerly known as GPR158, mGlyR is a specific brain receptor type that responds to certain chemical signals. In addition to depression, researchers have linked mGlyr to cancer development and cognition. GPR158 directly interacts with a chemical known as glycine, which plays a role in various brain functions.
Both glycine and aurine affect mGlyR. Researchers believe these chemicals …