(K141934) Támogató: Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Office
(K138763) Támogató: Hungarian National Research, Development and Innovation Office
NKFIH(K120311)
(2021-1.2.4-TÉT-2021-00010) Támogató: Hungarian National Research, Development and
Innovation Office
(ÚNKP-18-1) Támogató: EMMI
Glutamate is the most abundant excitatory amino acid in the central nervous system.
Neurons using glutamate as a neurotransmitter can be characterised by vesicular glutamate
transporters (VGLUTs). Among the three subtypes, VGLUT3 is unique, co-localising with
other “classical” neurotransmitters, such as the inhibitory GABA. Glutamate, manipulated
by VGLUT3, can modulate the packaging as well as the release of other neurotransmitters
and serve as a retrograde signal through its release from the somata and dendrites.
Its contribution to sensory processes (including seeing, hearing, and mechanosensation)
is well characterised. However, its involvement in learning and memory can only be
assumed based on its prominent hippocampal presence. Although VGLUT3-expressing neurons
are detectable in the hippocampus, most of the hippocampal VGLUT3 positivity can be
found on nerve terminals, presumably coming from the median raphe. This hippocampal
glutamatergic network plays a pivotal role in several important processes (e.g., learning
and memory, emotions, epilepsy, cardiovascular regulation). Indirect information from
anatomical studies and KO mice strains suggests the contribution of local VGLUT3-positive
hippocampal neurons as well as afferentations in these events. However, further studies
making use of more specific tools (e.g., Cre-mice, opto- and chemogenetics) are needed
to confirm these assumptions.