GluK4 deletion carriers who had a mental health problem (predominately depression) showed better performance in visuo-spatial ability and mental processing speed compared to individuals with mental health problems homozygous for the insertion.
AMPA, NMDA and kainate glutamate receptor subunits are expressed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) where the expression of GluK4 is altered by pregnancy and GluN2D by depression in pregnant women.
In conclusion, the current study provides new evidence, indicating that some GRIK4 variants modulate the response to ECT in patients with depression resistant to treatment, suggesting a role for kainate receptor modulation.