Recombinant Human GRIN3A Protein: Properties & Research Uses

Recombinant Human GRIN3A Protein is a research-grade recombinant subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor family, widely used in neuroscience investigations of glutamatergic signaling, synaptic plasticity, and the development of novel neurological therapeutics.

Gene Name

GRIN3A (also known as NR3A, GLUN3A)

Protein Family

Ionotropic glutamate receptor, NMDA receptor subunit family

Species Origin

Human (Homo sapiens)

Expression System

Recombinant expression system (specific host to be confirmed per lot)

Primary Research Applications

NMDA receptor functional studies, synaptic plasticity research, drug screening, protein interaction assays

SKU

rp367028

Biological Background of GRIN3A

GRIN3A encodes the GluN3A subunit (also designated NR3A), a member of the ionotropic glutamate receptor superfamily. NMDA receptors are tetrameric ligand-gated ion channels that play a central role in excitatory synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory formation in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS).

Unlike the obligatory GluN1 and GluN2 subunits that form canonical NMDA receptors, GluN3A is a modulatory subunit. When incorporated into NMDA receptor complexes, GluN3A exerts an inhibitory effect on receptor activity, reducing calcium permeability and magnesium sensitivity. This unique functionality makes GRIN3A a key molecular determinant of synapse maturation during early development and a subject of intense investigation in the context of neurological and psychiatric disorders.

GRIN3A expression is highest during early postnatal brain development and is down-regulated as synapses mature, suggesting a critical regulatory role in developmental synapse pruning and refinement. Dysregulation of GluN3A has been implicated in conditions including schizophrenia, depression, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Biochemical Properties of Recombinant Human GRIN3A Protein

Recombinant Human GRIN3A Protein is produced using recombinant expression technology to deliver a well-characterized, research-grade reagent suitable for in vitro studies. Key biochemical considerations include:

• Subunit composition: GluN3A contains an extracellular amino-terminal domain (ATD), a ligand-binding domain (LBD) that binds glycine (rather than glutamate), a transmembrane domain forming the ion channel pore, and an intracellular C-terminal domain.
• Ligand binding: The LBD of GluN3A selectively binds glycine and D-serine, distinguishing it from GluN2 subunits that bind glutamate. This glycine-binding property is critical for receptor modulation and is a target for pharmacological intervention.
• Post-translational modifications: Native GluN3A undergoes glycosylation and phosphorylation, which may influence trafficking, surface expression, and receptor function. Researchers should verify the modification profile of the recombinant batch used in their experiments.
• Formulation and storage: Specific purity, formulation buffer, and storage conditions should be confirmed from the product datasheet and Certificate of Analysis (CoA) for lot rp367028.

Research Applications

Recombinant Human GRIN3A Protein is a versatile reagent supporting multiple research workflows in neuroscience, pharmacology, and structural biology:

• NMDA receptor reconstitution studies: Used to investigate the contribution of GluN3A to NMDA receptor complex assembly, gating properties, and pharmacology in cell-free or reconstituted systems.
• Drug discovery and screening: Serves as a target protein for high-throughput screening of small molecules modulating GluN3A-containing NMDA receptors, relevant to CNS drug development for depression, schizophrenia, and neuroprotection.
• Protein–protein interaction assays: Suitable for co-immunoprecipitation, pull-down assays, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments to map GluN3A interaction networks with synaptic scaffolding proteins and signaling molecules.
• Structural biology: Can be used as an antigen for antibody generation or as a reference standard in Western blotting and ELISA-based assays quantifying endogenous GluN3A levels.
• Functional electrophysiology support: Recombinant GluN3A protein preparations can supplement biochemical characterization of receptor populations in heterologous expression systems.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

To ensure optimal performance of Recombinant Human GRIN3A Protein in downstream assays, researchers should observe the following best practices:

• Storage: Store according to the conditions specified in the product datasheet. In general, recombinant proteins should be stored at −80 °C for long-term preservation and −20 °C for short-term use, with repeated freeze–thaw cycles minimized. Always consult the CoA for lot-specific recommendations.
• Reconstitution: If supplied lyophilized, reconstitute with the recommended volume of sterile ultrapure water or buffer as specified. Allow the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening.
• Carrier protein: Consider supplementing with BSA or glycerol if long-term stability at working concentrations is required, as specified in the datasheet.
• Quality verification: Each lot of rp367028 should be accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) confirming purity (typically assessed by SDS-PAGE), identity (e.g., Western blot or mass spectrometry), and biological activity where applicable.
• Safety: Handle as a research reagent in accordance with institutional biosafety guidelines. Consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.

Frequently asked questions

What is the function of the GRIN3A subunit in NMDA receptors?

GluN3A (encoded by GRIN3A) is a modulatory subunit that, when incorporated into NMDA receptor complexes, reduces calcium permeability and decreases sensitivity to magnesium block, thereby attenuating overall NMDA receptor activity. Its expression is developmentally regulated, being highest in early postnatal brain development and declining as synapses mature.

What research applications is Recombinant Human GRIN3A Protein suitable for?

Recombinant Human GRIN3A Protein (SKU: rp367028) is suitable for a range of applications including NMDA receptor reconstitution and functional studies, drug discovery screening assays, protein–protein interaction studies (co-IP, pull-down, SPR), antibody generation, and use as a reference standard in Western blotting and ELISA assays.

How should Recombinant Human GRIN3A Protein be stored to maintain activity?

For long-term storage, maintain the protein at −80 °C and avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles, which can reduce activity and promote aggregation. For short-term use, −20 °C is generally acceptable. Always refer to the lot-specific Certificate of Analysis and product datasheet for precise storage and reconstitution instructions for SKU rp367028.

Does GluN3A bind glutamate or glycine?

The ligand-binding domain (LBD) of GluN3A binds glycine and D-serine, not glutamate. This distinguishes it from GluN2 subunits, which are the principal glutamate-binding subunits of NMDA receptors. This glycine-binding property is pharmacologically significant and relevant to drug discovery efforts targeting GluN3A-containing receptors.

References

1. Bhatt DL, et al. NMDA receptor subunit composition and synaptic plasticity. (General reference – specific citation to be verified.)
2. Henson MA, et al. 'Influence of the NR3A subunit on NMDA receptor functions.' Progress in Neurobiology. (Specific volume and page numbers to be verified.)
3. Pachernegg S, et al. 'GluN3 subunit-containing NMDA receptors: not just one function.' Trends in Neurosciences. (Specific citation details to be confirmed.)

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.