Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors and Their Implications in Cancer and Therapeutics

Abstract

Glutamine, being excitative in nature, is a necessary element for physiological and pathological processes alike, has made glutamate receptors a vital space of studies and analysis. The metabotropic (mGluR) and ionotropic (iGluR) receptors have been employed in treating a range of cancers and commonest ones like carcinoma of Lung, Breast, Prostrate, oral cancer in which mGluR 1-8 (group I,II,III) are accountable whereas (iGluR) ionotropic glutamate receptors which cover NMDA and NON NMDA receptors, have an affect a variety of cancers otherwise. NMDARs are further divided into subunits and influence mTOR signaling pathway significantly. Hence, anti-cancer agents specific to NMDARs are indicated in such scenarios like that of Memantine, Ifenprodil or Diclozipine. Some subunits; AMPARs and KARs, endure glutamine to Arginine(Q/R) site specific ribonucleic acid (RNA) editing inflicting changes in Ca permeability as well as its action that is seen to be altered in tumors. Therefore, their antagonists would prove functional. Since AMPAR, KARs have a giant role in neural development and processes, they have chiefly been detected in brain tumors not that their contribution in further cancers can be neglected. Delta or orphan receptors are primarily classified owing to sequence homology. In contrast to the rest of the iGluRs, these cannot be activated by any other receptors (AMPA, NMDA, KAR). Tumors that have a noteworthy contribution from either of the above mentioned receptors, in their progression, invasion and activity, are detailed individually and therefore the effect of metabotropic and ionotropic glutamate receptors have been pointed out owing to their remedial contribution like that of receptor antagonists, Riluzole. A good deal of analysis has to be done and this review highlights the relation of a range of sub-units to the cancer and anti-cancer agents as curatives for future applications and investigations. Some have conjointly seen application as markers for prognosis. Hence, the glutamate receptors have additionally been associated with an array of other cancers than just neuronal disorders and/or cancers.