mRNA distribution in adult human brain of GRIN2B, a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit

The expression of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit NR2B/epsilon 2 (GRIN2B) in the human adult brain was assayed by in situ hybridisation, by using a specific cRNA probe. The full length GRIN2B cDNA was cloned and sequenced. It showed a 90% nucleotide conservation when compared to the rodent homologue. GRIN2B gene is expressed at high levels in the fronto-parieto-temporal cortex and hippocampus pyramidal cells and, at a lower extent, in the basal ganglia (amygdala and striatum). The cerebellar granule cells does not show any mRNA expression. The non-ubiquitous anatomical distribution of the GRIN2B mRNA in the central nervous system suggests that the gene could be involved in specific functions pertaining to the expressing cell groups. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.