Are Type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors a viable therapeutic target for the treatment of cerebellar ataxia?

The cerebellum is a key brain structure for accurate coordination of sensory and motor function. Compared with other brain regions, the cerebellum expresses a particularly high level of Type 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluR1). In this review we aim to explore the significance of these receptors for cerebellar synapse function and their potential for treating cerebellar ataxia, a poorly treated degenerative motor disorder that is often hereditary.