KAINATE RECEPTORS Meaning and
Definition
-
Kainate receptors, also known as KA receptors, refer to a type of ionotropic glutamate receptor that is primarily responsible for the transmission of excitatory signals in the central nervous system (CNS). These receptors derive their name from kainic acid, a compound derived from seaweed that selectively activates them.
Kainate receptors are divided into subtypes, including GluK1, GluK2, GluK3, GluK4, and GluK5, which are encoded by different genes. These subtypes are present throughout the brain in various regions, including the hippocampus, amygdala, and cerebellum. Their distribution and expression patterns suggest that kainate receptors play a crucial role in a wide range of neuronal functions, such as synaptic transmission, plasticity, and modulation of network activity.
Activation of kainate receptors leads to the influx of calcium and sodium ions into the postsynaptic neuron, resulting in the generation of an excitatory response. However, their specific roles and functions are still under investigation, as their complex involvement in synaptic transmission and modulation has not yet been fully elucidated.
Dysregulation or dysfunction of kainate receptors has been implicated in various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding the mechanisms and functions of kainate receptors is critical for unraveling the complexities of the CNS and developing targeted therapeutics for these disorders.
Common Misspellings for KAINATE RECEPTORS
- jainate receptors
- mainate receptors
- lainate receptors
- oainate receptors
- iainate receptors
- kzinate receptors
- ksinate receptors
- kwinate receptors
- kqinate receptors
- kaunate receptors
- kajnate receptors
- kaknate receptors
- kaonate receptors
- ka9nate receptors
- ka8nate receptors
- kaibate receptors
- kaimate receptors
- kaijate receptors
- kaihate receptors
- kainzte receptors
Etymology of KAINATE RECEPTORS
The word "Kainate" in "Kainate Receptors" is derived from the natural compound "kainic acid". Kainic acid is an excitatory neurotransmitter that was first isolated from the seaweed Digenea simplex. It was later discovered that kainic acid specifically activates a type of glutamate receptor in the brain, which came to be known as the "kainate receptor". This receptor is involved in modulating synaptic transmission and is named after the compound that initially identified its activity.
