Metabotropic glutamate receptor

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor

The Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor (mGluR) (/mɛtəˈbroʊpɪk ˈɡluːtəmeɪt riˈsɛptər/), is a type of Glutamate Receptor that activates an intracellular second messenger cascade to produce its responses. The term "metabotropic" is derived from the Greek words "metabole" meaning change and "tropic" meaning turning towards, indicating the receptor's role in responding to changes in the environment.

History

The Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor was first identified in the early 1980s, following the discovery of its ionotropic counterparts. The receptor's unique mechanism of action and its potential role in various neurological disorders have made it a subject of extensive research.

Function

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors are involved in a variety of physiological processes, including learning, memory, and pain perception. They are also implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, such as Schizophrenia, Depression, and Epilepsy.

Classification

Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors are classified into three groups (Group I, II, and III) based on their sequence similarity, pharmacological properties, and intracellular signaling mechanisms. Each group contains several subtypes of receptors.

Related Terms

• Glutamate
• Neurotransmitter
• Receptor
• Neurological Disorders
• Psychiatric Disorders

See Also

• Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor
• G Protein-Coupled Receptor
• Neurotransmission

This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.