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Abstract
There is increasing evidence that cellular prion protein plays important roles in
neurodegeneration and neuroprotection. One of the possible mechanism by which this may occur
is a functional inhibition of ionotropic glutamate receptors, including N-Methyl-D-Aspartate
(NMDA) receptors. Here we review recent evidence implicating a possible interplay between
NMDA receptors and prions in the context of neurodegenerative disorders. Such a functional
link between NMDA receptors and normal prion protein, and therefore possibly between these
receptors and pathological prion isoforms, raises interesting therapeutic possibilities for prion
diseases.
Acknowledgements
P.K.S. and G.W.Z. are supported through the Canada Research Chairs Program and are Scientists of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. G.W.Z. is a member of PrioNet Canada and funded by the Alberta Prion Research Institute.