Article Proposal
We propose to break down the page on Glutamate receptors into six general topics, Title, “Nomenclature/Structure”, “Mechanism”, “Function/Evolution”, “Genetics”, “Current Research”, and “Effects Outside the Nervous System”.
By “Title” we mean the first blurb that appears in the Wikipedia article, which will be a brief overview of Glutamate Receptors. This will include what the Glutamate receptors are (transmembrane receptor proteins for glutamate) and their basic function in an organism (respond to the neurotransmitter Glutamate). There is an article on PNAS <http://www.pnas.org/content/105/52/20930.full?sid=7da916a3-4eb6-42e9-af8e-eba1d8a75943> that studied the structure of mGluR and has diagrams, so a picture of an actual Glutamate receptor protein can be included rather than just a representation of Glutamate.
“Nomenclature/Structure” will outline the different kinds of Glutamate receptors (for instance, the difference between metabotropic and ionotropic, as discussed in the present article). Related proteins will be mentioned and linked to, and the names of the specific types can be outlined, as is done in the present article.
“Mechanism” will be specific descriptions of the mechanisms by which the various Glutamate receptor Proteins work. It will be sub-divided so that each kind of Glutamate receptor has a working explanation. For ionotropic Glutamate Receptor Proteins, the binding sites and conformation change induced by Glutamate will be explained. For metabotropic, the protein cascade (involving GPCRs) will be described in as much detail as possible. For example, one glutamate receptor-gated channel (GluR) has been analyzed thoroughly. The proposed gating mechanism was shown to contain at least three open states, at least four closed states, and at least three isomerization pathways connecting closed and open states.
“Function/evolution”, this will include a detailed explanation of physiological function of Glutamate receptors in the body as receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter Glutamate, and how this relates to neurological function. A preliminary look into the literature suggests that Glutamate transport may also have a cooperative relationship with γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) transport. While glutamate is removed from extracellular space by glial transporters, GABA is taken up by neurons. GABA transporter subtypes share localization with Glu transporters. There is also research on the evolutionary origins of glutamate receptors. We will try to trace its conservation as far down organismic lineage as possible; whether the receptors are found in more primitive life forms and how conserved it is in the mammalian class.
“Genetics”: initial research shows there are at least two dozen GluR genes. We will delve deeper into the similarities and differences of these genes as well as look into their regulatory systems. This can also lead into what kind of genetic mutations influence GluR production and function, and possibly what genetic disorders may arise from this.
“Current research”: here, as the name suggests, current research topics will be explored, including research involving disease and therapy. For instance, recently, metabotropic glutamate receptors have been researched for use in therapy of experimental parkinsonism.
“Affects outside the nervous system” will consist of the possible functions of Glutamate Receptor Proteins outside the nervous system. For instance: the recognition of the “5th” taste of L-glutamate (umami) is due to receptors of the T1R family, belonging to the same class of GPCR as metabotropic Glutamate Receptors. <http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/120753743/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0>
Preliminary research links:
http://jn.nutrition.org/cgi/content/full/130/4/1043S
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov.proxy.bc.edu/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=19777062
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov.proxy.bc.edu/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=19737383
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov.proxy.bc.edu/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=19672295
http://www.jbc.org.proxy.bc.edu/content/early/2009/09/03/jbc.M109.024208.long
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov.proxy.bc.edu/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=19492025