Evolution of NMDA receptor cytoplasmic interaction domains: implications for organisation of synaptic signalling complexes
2008
Evolution of NMDA Receptor Interaction Domains
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Ryan Tomás J, Emes Richard D, Grant Seth GN, Komiyama Noboru H
Primary Institution: Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
Hypothesis
How have NMDA receptors evolved different physiological requirements?
Conclusion
The NMDA receptor C-terminus has evolved to be a flexible hub that organizes postsynaptic signaling, contributing to species differences in cognitive function.
Supporting Evidence
- Vertebrate NMDA receptors have longer C-terminal domains than invertebrates.
- The NR2 C-terminus is predicted to be intrinsically disordered but modular.
- Evolution has shaped the NMDA receptor C-terminus to enhance cognitive functions in vertebrates.
Takeaway
Scientists studied how a part of the NMDA receptor has changed over time, making it better at helping animals learn and remember things.
Methodology
The study used in silico methods to analyze the molecular evolution of NMDA receptors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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