Author(s)

Anna Kloda, Boris Martinac

Molecular Cardiology and Biophysics Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute and St Vincent’s Clinical School, Univer- sity of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.

NMDA receptor channels play a significant role in learning and memory and their dysfunction can cause neuronal cell death leading to dementia. Research had shown that lipids change the risk for dementia, especially some omega-3 lipids appear to lower Alz-heimer’s risk, yet only limited research exists on the modulation of NMDA receptor channels by lipids. Here we review recent literature concerning molecular determinants that influence the NMDA receptor channel gating via membrane lipids and fatty acids with profound significance for understanding how altered NMDA signalling leads to neuronal cell death linked to age-related dementia’s. Future discovery of lipid-like modulators of NMDA receptor function offer the potential for the development of new bioceu-ticals and affordable nutritional supplements to combat neuronal degeneration as well as to promote well being and healthy aging.

NMDA Receptors; Lipid Bilayer; Membrane Phospholipids; Fatty Acids; Synaptic Plasticity; Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease

Kloda, A. and Martinac, B. (2012) "Smart fats", healthy brain and function of lipid-sensing NMDA receptors. Advances in Biological Chemistry, 2, 106-114. doi: 10.4236/abc.2012.22013.