The glycine alpha 2 receptor: a gatekeeper of the dorsal striatum (R-10268)

The striatum integrates cortical sensory information with motivational inputs originating in the substantial nigra. This integration allows for adequate goal-directed behavior, and impaired neurotransmission can induce reward-related psychopathologies such as drug abuse and psychosis. Here, we aim to demonstrate the role of glycine receptor alpha 2 in reward-related brain circuitry and behavior. Glycine receptors are pentameric ionotropic receptors that are composed of alpha (a1-a4) and/or beta subunits that form an ionic pore permeable to chloride. During development, most GlyRs are homomeric, composed of alpha 2 subunits. Expression of alpha 2 rapidly declines postnatally, suggesting its importance during early development. Yet, and in contrast to the idea of a restricted role in development, we have recently identified GlyRa2 as the only functional glycine receptor in adult striatum, rendering it a innovative target for the treatment of reward-related pathologies.

Keywords:drug addiction, glycine receptor, psychosis, reward-motivated behavior

Disciplines:Cell physiology, Electrophysiology, Biological psychiatry, Neurosciences not elsewhere classified, Molecular and cell biology not elsewhere classified