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 …