schizophrenia+results+NEP

Results
Numerous studies have linked reduced expression of NMDA receptor to a variety of cognitive defects including schizophrenia. Figure one shows where the NMDA protein lies in the LTP molecular pathway. For LTP to be initiated glutamate binds to NR2 subunit and glycine (sometimes d-serine) must bind to NR1 subunit (Blanke and VanDongen, 2009). Finally membrane depolarization must occur to release the magnesium blocking the NMDA ion channel. When NMDA is active calcium is able to enter the cell which is required for LTP.

//Figure one//

The gene GRIN2A makes the protein NR2A, also known as GLUN2A, which is the site where glutamate binds. Variants in the GRIN2A gene have been correlated to schizophrenia (Harrison, 2015). Figure two shows where the gene is located on chromosome 16. It is 429,961 base pairs long and is oriented on the negative strand.

//Figure two//

//Figure three// Figure three shows the 3D structure of the NR2A protein.

GRIN2A is only one gene of many where variants are associated in schizophrenia. Figure four shows a map generated from string of other genes associated with GRIN2A. Several variants in these genes are also associated with schizophrenia.

//Figure four//