D-SERINE (C005B-367481)

General description

D-serine is a dextro amino acid present in neurons, astrocytes, and microglia. It is synthesized from L-serine by the enzyme serine racemase. Racemase also catalyzes the breakdown of D-serine into ammonia and pyruvate. It is oxidized to hydroxypyruvate by D-amino acid oxidase.

D-serine is an unusual amino acid expressed in the mammalian brain.

Application

D-serine has been used as a substrate in D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) activity in human 1321N1 astrocytoma cells. It has also been used in intracerebroventricular administration in rat for the induction of antinociceptive effect.

D-serine has been used to prevent glycine-dependent desensitization of N-methyl D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and to study its effects on NMDARs to correct behavioral abnormalities in rats after partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL).

Biochem/physiol Actions

D-serine is essential for the normal development of dendrites, neuroblast migration and may have therapeutic potential for treating schizophrenia and depression states. The levels of D-serine is elevated in traumatic brain injury (TBI).

D-serine is an agonist and glycine mimic which is active at the strychnine-insensitive glycine binding site associated with the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor as well as the inhibitory post-synaptic glycine receptor. Along with glutamate, it has a role in various physiological processes including synaptic plasticity and receptor transmission. Dysregulation of D-serine signaling has been linked with neurodegenerative diseases and disorders.