Grin2b

Grin2b Full Name

glutamate receptor, ionotropic, N-methyl D-aspartate 2B

Grin2b Introduction

The GRIN2B gene encodes a member of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor family in the ionotropic glutamate receptor superfamily. The encoded protein is a subunit of the NMDA receptor ion channel, which acts as an agonist binding site for glutamate. NMDA receptors mediate the slow calcium osmotic component of excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. NMDA receptors are heterotetramers of seven differentially expressed subunits encoded by genes, including NR1 (GRIN1), NR2 (GRIN2A, GRIN2B, GRIN2C, or GRIN2D), and NR3 (GRIN3A or GRIN3B). The early expression of this gene during development indicates that it plays an important role in brain development, circuit formation, synaptic plasticity, and cell migration and differentiation. The naturally occurring mutations within this gene are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, epilepsy, and schizophrenia.

Figure. Structure of GRIN2B.(Source: Soda, Teresa, et al, 2023)

Function
GRIN2B is associated with age and visual experience dependent plasticity in the rat neocortex, with an increase in the NR2B/NR2A ratio directly related to stronger excitatory LTP in juvenile animals. This is believed to contribute to the experience dependent refinement of developing cortical circuits. By overexpressing GRIN2B in the brain, the mental function of mice and rats was improved.

The GRIN2B gene is a blueprint for producing key components for communication between brain neurons. This component is mainly involved in a molecular machine called NMDA receptor. NMDA receptors are like a special portal on the surface of neurons, controlling the influx of calcium ions into cells. Calcium ions are powerful signals that trigger a series of biochemical reactions inside neurons, which are crucial for learning, memory, and brain development. GRIN2B is one of the main control genes for cognitive function in the brain. The GluN2B protein encoded by it acts as an intelligent switch in neural circuits, finely regulating brain development, learning, and memory. The mutation of this gene is an important cause of severe neurodevelopmental disorders and is also associated with various adult brain diseases. The continuous research on GRIN2B not only deepens our understanding of the working principles of the brain, but also brings hope for the development of targeted and precise therapies.

Figure 1. Structure of the neuronal NMDAR..(Source: Soda, Teresa, et al, 2023)

Alternate Names for Grin2b

GRIN2B; glutamate receptor, ionotropic, N-methyl D-aspartate 2B; MRD6; NR2B; hNR3; GluN2B; NMDAR2B; glutamate receptor ionotropic, NMDA 2B; NR3; glutamate receptor subunit epsilon-2

• 1.Soda, Teresa, et al. The emerging role of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the cardiovascular system: physiological implications, pathological consequences, and therapeutic perspectives. International journal of molecular sciences. 2023,24(4): 3914