ABSTRACT

Glutamate receptors are expressed in the majority of the glial cells throughout the brain. Although the physiological role of these receptors has not been fully established, it is now evident that these receptors are activated by synaptic activity. A membrane to nuclei signaling is concomitant to glutamate receptors activation, resulting in differential gene expression. Transcriptional control provides the major framework through which glutamate receptors occupancy is reflected in the cell`s protein repertoire. It is clear then, that synaptic activity modifies gene expression patterns both in neurons and glia, and that is the molecular basis of higher brain function.