The GluN2D subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in working memory: relevance to schizophrenia

Cognitive symptoms like short term memory loss are debilitating in people with schizophrenia and unfortunately have no cure. Impaired function of a receptor in the brain, the glutamate NMDA receptor is thought to be responsible for these cognitive symptoms. Our research focused on a component of this receptor called the GluN2D subunit. We report that levels of this subunit are altered within specific cells in the brains of people with schizophrenia and in a mouse model we have shown that the GluN2D subunit is involved in short term memory and the brain rhythms that control this type of memory.