GRIN3A

This gene encodes a subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which belong to the superfamily of glutamate-regulated ion channels, and function in physiological and pathological processes in the central nervous system. This subunit shows greater than 90% identity to the corresponding subunit in rat. Studies in the knockout mouse deficient in this subunit suggest that this gene may be involved in the development of synaptic elements by modulating NMDA receptor activity.

Full Name

glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 3A

Function

NMDA receptor subtype of glutamate-gated ion channels with reduced single-channel conductance, low calcium permeability and low voltage-dependent sensitivity to magnesium. Mediated by glycine. During the development of neural circuits, plays a role in the synaptic refinement period, restricting spine maturation and growth. By competing with GIT1 interaction with ARHGEF7/beta-PIX, may reduce GIT1/ARHGEF7-regulated local activation of RAC1, hence affecting signaling and limiting the maturation and growth of inactive synapses. May also play a role in PPP2CB-NMDAR mediated signaling mechanism.

Biological Process

Calcium ion transport Source: UniProtKB
Dendrite development Source: Ensembl
Ionotropic glutamate receptor signaling pathway Source: GO_Central
Negative regulation of dendritic spine development Source: UniProtKB
Prepulse inhibition Source: Ensembl
Regulation of synaptic vesicle exocytosis Source: Ensembl
Response to ethanol Source: UniProtKB

Cellular Location

Cell membrane; Postsynaptic cell membrane; Postsynaptic density. Enriched in postsynaptic plasma membrane and postsynaptic densities. Requires the presence of GRIN1 to be targeted at the plasma membrane (By similarity).

Topology

Extracellular: 24-674
Helical: 675-695
Cytoplasmic: 696-748
Helical: 749-769
Extracellular: 770-930
Helical: 931-951
Cytoplasmic: 952-1115

PTM

N-glycosylated.