Evolution of NMDA receptor cytoplasmic interaction domains: implications for organisation of synaptic signalling complexes

Background  

Glutamate gated postsynaptic receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) are essential for environmentally stimulated behaviours including learning and memory in both invertebrates and vertebrates. Though their genetics, biochemistry, physiology, and role in behaviour have been intensely studied in vitro and in vivo, their molecular evolution and structural aspects remain poorly understood. To understand how these receptors have evolved different physiological requirements we have investigated the molecular evolution of glutamate gated receptors and ion channels, in particular the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, which is essential for higher cognitive function. Studies of rodent NMDA receptors show that the C-terminal intracellular domain forms a signalling complex with enzymes and scaffold proteins, which is important for neuronal and behavioural plasticity     

Pseudoephedrine as a chiral auxiliary for asymmetric Michael reactions: synthesis of 3-aryl-delta-lactones

[reaction: see text] The asymmetric Michael reaction of pseudoephedrine amides is reported. The 1,5-dicarbonyl products are converted to 3-aryl-delta-lactones in a two-step reduction/lactonization sequence. This method provides access to enantiomerically enriched trans-3,4-disubstituted delta-lactones.