Sandbox Reserved 1715: Difference between revisions

Within the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_nervous_system central nervous system (CNS)], various membrane receptors exist to detect extracellular signaling molecules and communicate this information intracellularly. Found in eukaryotes and known for its seven transmembrane helices, [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G_protein-coupled_receptor G-protein coupled receptor] (GPCR) are one type of membrane bound receptors with conserved intracellular signaling via heterotrimeric [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G_protein#:~:text=G%20proteins%2C%20also%20known%20as,a%20cell%20to%20its%20interior. G-protein]<ref name="Katritch">PMID:23140243</ref>. The metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGlu), a Class C GPCR, is a receptor utilized in glutamate signaling- which is essential in synaptic plasticity as well as the development and repair of the CNS<ref name="Niswender">PMID:20055706</ref>. These receptors are specifically found in the pre- and postsynaptic [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neuron#:~:text=A%20neuron%20or%20nerve%20cell,animals%20except%20sponges%20and%20placozoa. neurons] of the CNS<ref name="Niswender">PMID:20055706</ref>. Eight different mGlu subtypes exist which are divided into three groups (I, II, III)<ref name="Niswender">PMID:20055706</ref>. While each mGlu has a slightly different function and location, the structures of the different mGlu subtypes are very similar (Table 1) <ref name="Niswender">PMID:20055706</ref>. For each group, binding of the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glutamate_(neurotransmitter) neurotransmitter glutamate] to the mGlu introduces a conformational change that can activate a G-protein<ref name="Niswender">PMID:20055706</ref>.