Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the significance of NMDA receptors in the brain, their structural diversity, and the implications for understanding synaptic signaling and potential therapeutic targets for neurological disorders [2][3]. Group 1: NMDA Receptor Structure and Function - NMDA receptors are heterotetramers composed of GluN1 and GluN2 or GluN3 subunits, with different combinations affecting their functional properties [2]. - The presence of GluN2A subunits is dominant in the brain, and their amino-terminal domain (ATD) exhibits significant conformational flexibility, which may regulate signaling and channel gating characteristics [5]. Group 2: Research Findings - A study published in Nature revealed the extraction of endogenous NMDA receptors from mouse brain tissue, identifying 10 different assembly structures and capturing a novel fully open state [4][3]. - The research identified a previously unobserved fully open conformation in the GluN1-GluN2B receptor, showing significant outward rotation of the M3 helix, which enlarges the ion channel pore [7]. Group 3: Implications and Future Directions - The findings emphasize the core role of GluN2A in synaptic signaling and provide a structural framework for understanding subtype-specific receptor functions in the brain [9]. - The research team is actively recruiting researchers with backgrounds in neurobiology, cell biology, and structural biology to further explore these findings [9].