Development of a Three-Dimensional Model for the N-Methyl-D-aspartate NR2A Subunit

NR2 subunits of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors are known to bind the neurotransmitter glutamate, competitive agonists, and antagonists. Since crystallographic data of these proteins are not available, we built a homology model of the ligand binding domain of the NR2A subunit. A consensus binding mode of selected AP5-like NMDA antagonists has been ascertained using molecular docking. The present 3D model gives insights for the design of new NMDA subtype selective compounds.