NMDA receptor subtype differential affinity as a key enabler for precision neuropsychiatry.
Aline Freyssin, Reina Benabou, Hanna Zoe Müller, Sarah Davis, Florent Perin-Dureau, Timm Danker, Gilles Rubinstenn
Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry June 20, 2026 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2026.111742 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Preclinical study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Human GluN1/GluN2A-D receptors in in-vitro electrophysiological assays; preclinical rat models |
| Interventions | RST-01 ketamine memantine |
| Topics | Ketamine |
| Keywords | Glun2 subunits Nmda receptor Olney's lesion Rst-01 |
| Key points | RST-01 displays a more differentiated selectivity profile across GluN2 subunits than ketamine or memantine, correlating with a lack of dissociation and Olney's lesions in preclinical models. |
Abstract
Despite recent advances in neuropsychiatry, translational development for many targets remains challenging, particularly when receptors exist as families with complex subunit-dependent pharmacology and safety concerns. This is the case for NMDA receptor (NMDAR) antagonists. R,S-ketamine illustrates this issue: although it produces rapid antidepressant effects in the clinic, its use is limited by dissociative side effects and potential long-term cognitive impairment. Preclinical studies have also linked it to neuropathological alterations such as Olney's lesions. These limitations highlight the need for deeper mechanistic characterization beyond simple receptor inhibition. Recently, we investigated RST-01, a novel fluoroalkyl derivative of amantadine, as a potential treatment for early post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In preclinical rat models, RST-01 showed efficacy without observable dissociation and without inducing Olney's lesions, an established marker of neurotoxicity unlike R,S-ketamine and memantine reported in the literature. To better understand these safety differences, we examined the target-engagement profiles of RST-01, ketamine, and memantine in preclinical systems. Specifically, we assessed their selectivity across NMDAR subtypes. Using in-vitro electrophysiological assays, we determined IC₅₀ values for human GluN1/GluN2A-D receptors and applied a multidimensional analytical approach to compare their subunit selectivity patterns. Our results revealed distinct pharmacological signatures across the four GluN2 subunits. When represented in multidimensional space, RST-01 displayed a more differentiated selectivity profile than ketamine or memantine. This subunit-specific characterization provides a mechanistic framework to interpret differences in adverse-effect profiles and safety margins observed in preclinical models, supporting the development of safer and more selective NMDAR-targeting therapies.
Comparable studies
Other preclinical and animal studies on ketamine, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| mTOR-Dependent Synapse Formation Underlies the Rapid Antidepressant Effects of NMDA Antagonists Rats | 2010 | Observational study | |
| Activation of Glutamatergic Neurotransmission by Ketamine: A Novel Step in the Pathway from NMDA Receptor Blockade to Dopaminergic and Cognitive Disruptions Associated with the Prefrontal Cortex Conscious rats | 1997 | Dose-response study with microdialysis and behavioral testing | |
| NMDAR inhibition-independent antidepressant actions of ketamine metabolites Mice | 2016 | Preclinical study | |
| The dissociative anaesthetics, ketamine and phencyclidine, selectively reduce excitation of central mammalian neurones by N‐methyl‐aspartate Spinal neurons in decerebrate or pentobarbitone-anaesthetized cats and rats | 1983 | Experimental study | |
| R-ketamine: a rapid-onset and sustained antidepressant without psychotomimetic side effects Mice | 2015 | Experimental study |
Citations in the library
Cites 10
- NMDA Antagonist Neurotoxicity: Mechanism and Prevention Science December 6, 1991
- Side-effects associated with ketamine use in depression: a systematic review. The Lancet Psychiatry 2018
- Ketamine: NMDA Receptors and Beyond Journal of Neuroscience November 2, 2016
- Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms of Rapid-Acting Antidepressants Ketamine and Scopolamine Current Neuropharmacology March 10, 2016
- Rapid Acting Antidepressants in Chronic Stress Models: Molecular and Cellular Mechanisms Chronic Stress February 1, 2017
and 5 more in the library