Work

Glutamate Transporter EAAT2: A New Target For The Treatment Of Neurodegenerative Diseases

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Glutamate is the primary excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter in the CNS. The concentration of glutamate in the synaptic cleft is tightly controlled by interplay between glutamate release and glutamate clearance. Abnormal glutamate release and/or dysfunction of glutamate clearance can cause overstimulation of glutamate receptors and result in neuronal injury known as excitotoxicity. The glial glutamate transporter EAAT2 plays a major role in glutamate clearance. Dysfunction or reduced expression of EAAT2 has been documented in many neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, many studies in animal models of disease indicate that increased EAAT2 expression provides neuronal protection. Here, we summarize these studies and suggest that EAAT2 is a potential target for the prevention of excitotoxicity. EAAT2 can be upregulated by transcriptional or translational activation. We discuss current progress in the search for EAAT2 activators, which is a promising direction for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Source: Future Medicinal Chemistry

DOI: 10.4155/fmc.12.122

Authors: Chien-Liang Glenn Lin, Qiongman Kong, Gregory D Cuny, Marcie A Glicksman

Institutions: The Ohio State University, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard University, Harvard NeuroDiscovery Center, University of Houston

Language: English

Topic: Neuroscience and Neuropharmacology Research

Subfield: Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Ohio State University, Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke