Novel Positive Allosteric Modulators of Glutamate Transport Have Neuroprotective Properties in an in Vitro Excitotoxic Model.

Dysfunction of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, such as stroke, brain trauma, epilepsy, and several neurodegenerative disorders. EAAT2 is the main transporter subtype responsible for glutamate clearance in the brain, and plays a key role in regulating neurotransmission and preventing excitotoxicity. Therefore, compounds that increase the activity of EAAT2 have therapeutic potential for neuroprotection.