Progress in research of synaptic membrane-associated guanylate kinase scaffolding proteins in central nervous system involved in pain modulation

Abstract

Background A family of membrane-associated guanylate kinases (MAGUKs) in central nervous system contains 4 kinds of synapses-associated proteins:PSD-93、PSD-95、SAP-102、SAP-97.They are involved in modulating synaptic trafficking of glutamate receptors and associate with pain,learning and memory.Objective To review the interactions between the synaptic MAGUK scaffolding proteins and the receptors、molecules involved in pain and the roles of synaptic MAGUK scaffolding proteins in pain signal modulation and transmission.Content Synaptic MAGUK scaffolding proteins are involved in modulating pain signal transduction in synapses by interacting with NMDAR,nNOS,AMPAR,SynCAM and other molecules.Trend Disruption of the interactions between the synaptic MAGUK scaffolding proteins and the receptors or molecules involved in pain can influence pain signal transduction in synapses,suggesting a new target for the treatment of pain. Key words: Membrane-associated guanylate kinase proteins; Glutamate receptors; Pain