Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 8 (GRM8) Antibody

Background

GRM8, or mGluR8, is a Group III metabotropic glutamate receptor expressed predominantly in the hippocampus, thalamus, and olfactory bulb, where it functions as a presynaptic receptor to inhibit glutamate release. GRM8 couples to Gi/o proteins, suppressing adenylate cyclase activity and cAMP production, thereby regulating synaptic transmission and reducing excitotoxicity. GRM8 plays a role in modulating synaptic plasticity, sensory processing, and neuroprotection. Dysregulation of GRM8 is associated with neurological disorders, including epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety, where impaired glutamate regulation contributes to neuronal hyperexcitability. GRM8 also exhibits potential in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, where its activation provides neuroprotective effects. Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) and selective agonists of GRM8 are being developed to restore glutamatergic balance and protect against excitotoxic damage, positioning it as a promising therapeutic target for epilepsy, pain management, and neurodegenerative disorders.