Molecular cloning studies have identified four glutamate receptor (gluR) subunits which, when expressed together, account for many of the functional properties observed in native ionotropic non-NMDA receptors. The cDNA for one subunit, gluR-2, when expressed with the other gluR subunits, dominates the electrophysiological properties and confers ionic selectivity, making the channels impermeant to Ca++. A single arginine residue in transmembrane domain II of gluR-2 controls the ion selectivity. Interestingly, while the cDNA for gluR-2 encodes this arginine, the gluR-2 gene codes for glutamine at this position. This single nucleotide difference results from RNA editing.
The specific aim of this proposal is to understand RNA editing and its role in glutamate receptor activity. Thus, the overall goal of these studies is to further our understanding of a newly identified mechanism of gene regulation, and to increase our understanding of neuro- transmission in the central nervous system.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Scientist Development Award (K21)
Project #
5K21MH001079-05
Application #
2445414
Study Section
Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Neurobiology Review Committee (MCDN)
Project Start
1993-07-01
Project End
1997-12-31
Budget Start
1997-08-01
Budget End
1997-12-31
Support Year
5
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Columbia University (N.Y.)
Department
Psychiatry
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
167204994
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10032
Yang, J H; Sklar, P; Axel, R et al. (1997) Purification and characterization of a human RNA adenosine deaminase for glutamate receptor B pre-mRNA editing. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 94:4354-9