KAINATE RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
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A kainate receptor is a type of ionotropic glutamate receptor that is predominantly found in the central nervous system (CNS). It is named after the compound "kainic acid," which is a potent agonist (activator) of these receptors. Kainate receptors play a vital role in mediating fast synaptic transmission in the brain.
These receptors are composed of four subunits known as GluK1-GluK5. They are widely expressed in various regions of the brain, including the hippocampus, striatum, cortex, and cerebellum. Kainate receptors are involved in modulating neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmitter release.
Activation of kainate receptors occurs when glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter, binds to the receptor. This leads to the opening of an ion channel, allowing the flow of cations such as sodium and potassium across the neuronal membrane. This influx of ions causes a depolarization of the postsynaptic neuron, leading to the generation of an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP), which can trigger an action potential if the threshold is reached.
Kainate receptors are known to have diverse physiological functions, including involvement in learning and memory, pain sensation, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative disorders. Dysregulation of kainate receptor signaling has been implicated in various neurological diseases, making them potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
In summary, kainate receptors are ionotropic glutamate receptors that play a crucial role in excitatory neurotransmission in the CNS. Their activation leads to neuronal depolarization, mediating various physiological processes and contributing to neurological disorders.
Common Misspellings for KAINATE RECEPTOR
- jainate receptor
- mainate receptor
- lainate receptor
- oainate receptor
- iainate receptor
- kzinate receptor
- ksinate receptor
- kwinate receptor
- kqinate receptor
- kaunate receptor
- kajnate receptor
- kaknate receptor
- kaonate receptor
- ka9nate receptor
- ka8nate receptor
- kaibate receptor
- kaimate receptor
- kaijate receptor
- kaihate receptor
- kainzte receptor
Etymology of KAINATE RECEPTOR
The word "Kainate" in "Kainate Receptor" comes from the compound called kainic acid. Kainic acid is a naturally occurring compound found in seaweed that was first isolated in the mid-1950s. It was named after the Japanese seaweed species, Digenea simplex var. caesia, which is known as "Kainin" in Japanese.
Kainate receptors are a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors found in the central nervous system. They were named after kainic acid because this compound was found to selectively activate these receptors. The naming convention follows a similar pattern to other ionotropic glutamate receptors, which are typically named after compounds that specifically activate them (such as AMPA receptors named after alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid).
