The GRIN2B gene provides instructions for making a protein called GluN2B. This protein is found in nerve cells (neurons) in the brain, primarily during development before birth. The GluN2B protein is one component (subunit) of a subset of specialized protein structures called NMDA receptors. There are several types of NMDA receptors, made up of different combinations of proteins.
NMDA receptors are glutamate-gated ion channels. When brain chemicals called glutamate and glycine attach to the receptor, a channel opens, allowing positively charged particles (cations) to flow through. The flow of cations activates (excites) neurons to send signals to each other. The cation flow also plays a role in the process by which the neurons mature to carry out specific functions (differentiation). NMDA receptors are involved in normal brain development, changes in the brain in response to experience (synaptic plasticity), learning, and memory.
Other Names
GluN2B; glutamate [NMDA] receptor subunit epsilon-2; glutamate receptor ionotropic, NMDA 2B precursor; glutamate receptor subunit epsilon-2; glutamate receptor, ionotropic, N-methyl D-aspartate 2B; hNR3; N-methyl D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B; NMDAR2B; NR2B
Related Genetics Topics
- Autism spectrum disorder — MedlinePlus Genetics
- GRIN2B-related neurodevelopmental disorder — MedlinePlus Genetics
Identifiers
- NCBI Gene: 2904
- OMIM: 138252
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
