Abstract
D-Serine modulates N-methyl D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and regulates synaptic plasticity, neurodevelopment, and learning and memory. However, the primary site of D-serine synthesis and release remains controversial, with some arguing that it is a gliotransmitter and others defining it as a neuronal cotransmitter. Results from several laboratories using different strategies now show that the biosynthetic enzyme of D-serine, serine racemase (SR), is expressed almost entirely by neurons, with few astrocytes appearing to contain D-serine. Cell-selective suppression of SR expression demonstrates that neuronal, rather than astrocytic D-serine, modulates synaptic plasticity. Here, we propose an alternative conceptualization whereby astrocytes affect D-serine levels by synthesizing L-serine that shuttles to neurons to fuel the neuronal synthesis of D-serine.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 712-721 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Trends in Neurosciences |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Nov 2016 |
Keywords
- D-serine
- N-methyl D-aspartate receptor
- gliotransmission
- glycine
- serine racemase
- synaptic plasticity
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- General Neuroscience