Identifying the function of the NMDA NR1 subunit through its interaction with Magi-2 during inflammatory pain.

Much is understood about the structure and gating properties of NMDA receptors (NMDAR), but the function of the carboxy-terminal splice variant of the NR1 subunit, NR1 has never been identified. By studying the scaffolding protein Magi-2 in animal models of inflammatory pain, we discovered how NR1 protein is specifically regulated. We found that Magi-2 deficiency resulted in decreased pain behavior and a concomitant reduction in NR1 protein.