GRIN2A

Component of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) that function as heterotetrameric, ligand-gated cation channels with high calcium permeability and voltage-dependent block by Mg(2+). NMDARs participate in synaptic plasticity for learning and memory formation by contributing to the slow phase of excitatory postsynaptic current, long-term synaptic potentiation, and learning. Channel activation requires binding of the neurotransmitter L-glutamate to the GluN2 subunit, glycine or D-serine binding to the GluN1 subunit, plus membrane depolarisation to eliminate channel inhibition by Mg(2+). NMDARs mediate simultaneously the potassium efflux and the influx of calcium and sodium. Each GluN2 subunit confers differential attributes to channel properties, including activation, deactivation and desensitisation kinetics, pH sensitivity, Ca2(+) permeability, and binding to allosteric modulators. Participates in the synaptic plasticity regulation through activation by the L-glutamate releaseed by BEST1, into the synaptic cleft, upon F2R/PAR-1 activation in astrocyte. Location: Cell projection, dendritic spine; Cell membrane; Synapse; Postsynaptic cell membrane (UniProt). Locus 16p13.2 (HGNC).