The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are ionotropic glutamate receptors that mediate the flux of calcium (Ca ) into the postsynaptic compartment. Calcium influx subsequently triggers the activation of various intracellular signaling cascades that underpin multiple forms of synaptic plasticity. Functional NMDARs are assembled as heterotetramers composed of two obligatory GluN1 subunits and two GluN2 or GluN3 subunits. Four different GluN2 subunits (GluN2A-D) are present throughout the central nervous system; however, they are differentially expressed, both developmentally and spatially, in a cell- and synapse-specific manner. Each GluN2 subunit confers NMDARs with distinct ion channel properties and intracellular trafficking pathways. Regulated membrane trafficking of NMDARs is a dynamic process that ultimately determines the number of NMDARs at synapses, and is controlled by subunit-specific interactions with various intracellular regulatory proteins. Here we review recent progress made towards understanding the molecular mechanisms that regulate the trafficking of GluN2-containing NMDARs, focusing on the roles of several key synaptic proteins that interact with NMDARs via their carboxyl termini.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jnc.14970

Regulation of NMDA glutamate receptor functions by the GluN2 subunits.

Mutations in Munc18-1/STXBP1 (syntaxin-binding protein 1) are linked to various severe early epileptic encephalopathies and neurodevelopmental disorders. Heterozygous mutations in the STXBP1 gene include missense, nonsense, frameshift, and splice site mutations, as well as intragenic deletions and duplications and whole-gene deletions. No genotype-phenotype correlation has been identified so far, and patients are treated by anti-epileptic drugs because of the lack of a specific disease-modifying therapy. The molecular disease mechanisms underlying STXBP1-linked disorders are yet to be fully understood, but both haploinsufficiency and dominant-negative mechanisms have been proposed. This review focuses on the current understanding of the phenotypic spectrum of STXBP1-linked disorders, as well as discusses disease mechanisms in the context of the numerous pathways in which STXBP1 functions in the brain. We additionally evaluate the available animal models to study these disorders and highlight potential therapeutic approaches for treating these devastating diseases.

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jnc.15120

STXBP1 encephalopathies: Clinical spectrum, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies

Lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury combined exposure disrupted synaptic homeostasis through activating the Snk-SPAR pathway.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) of excitatory synapses is a major form of plasticity for learning and memory in the central nervous system. While the molecular mechanisms of LTP have been debated for decades, there is consensus that LTP induction activates membrane trafficking pathways within dendrites that are essential for synapse growth and strengthening. Current models suggest that key molecules for synaptic potentiation are sequestered within intracellular organelles, which are mobilized by synaptic activity to fuse with the plasma membrane following LTP induction. While the identity of the factors mobilized to the plasma membrane during LTP remain obscure, the field has narrowly focused on AMPA-type glutamate receptors. Here, we review recent literature and present new experimental data from our lab investigating whether AMPA receptors trafficked from intracellular organelles directly contribute to synaptic strengthening during LTP. We propose a modified model where membrane trafficking delivers distinct factors that are required to maintain synapse growth and AMPA receptor incorporation following LTP. Finally, we pose several fundamental questions that may guide further inquiry into the role of membrane trafficking for synaptic plasticity.

/pdf/mechanisms-and-role-of-dendritic-membrane-trafficking-for-12830y3umy.pdf

Mechanisms and Role of Dendritic Membrane Trafficking for Long-Term Potentiation.

CaMKII and long-term potentiation (LTP) were discovered within a decade of each other and have been inextricably intertwined ever since. However, like many marriages, it has had its up and downs. Based on the unique biochemical properties of CaMKII, it was proposed as a memory molecule before any direct physiological linkage was made to LTP. This review will assess the state of this marriage 40 years on. How well does the physiological evidence support the role of CaMKII in synaptic memory and what are the remaining outstanding issues?

Synaptic memory and CaMKII: a review.

Crucial Role of Postsynaptic Syntaxin 4 in Mediating Basal Neurotransmission and Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampal CA1 Neurons.

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Crucial Role of Postsynaptic Syntaxin 4 in Mediating Basal Neurotransmission and Synaptic Plasticity in Hippocampal CA1 Neurons.