Metabolism of amino acid neurotransmitters: the synaptic disorder underlying inherited metabolic diseases

Abstract Amino acids are involved in various metabolic pathways and some of them also act as neurotransmitters. Since biosynthesis of l ‐glutamate and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) requires 2‐oxoglutarate while 3‐phosphoglycerate is the precursor of l ‐glycine and d ‐serine, evolutionary selection of these amino acid neurotransmitters might have been driven by their capacity to provide important information about the glycolytic pathway and Krebs cycle. Synthesis and recycling of amino acid neurotransmitters as well as composition and function of their receptors are often compromised in inherited metabolic diseases. For instance, increased plasma l ‐phenylalanine concentrations impair cerebral biosynthesis of protein and bioamines in phenylketonuria, while elevated cerebral l ‐phenylalanine directly acts via ionotropic glutamate receptors. In succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency, the neurotransmitter GABA and neuromodulatory γ‐hydroxybutyric acid are elevated. Chronic hyperGABAergic state results in progressive downregulation of GABA A and GABA B receptors and impaired mitophagy. In glycine encephalopathy, the neurological phenotype is precipitated by l ‐glycine acting both via cortical NMDA receptors and glycine receptors in spinal cord and brain stem neurons. Serine deficiency syndromes are biochemically characterized by decreased biosynthesis of l ‐serine, an important neurotrophic factor, and the neurotransmitters d ‐serine and l ‐glycine. Supplementation with l ‐serine and l ‐glycine has a positive effect on seizure frequency and spasticity, while neurocognitive development can only be improved if treatment starts in utero or immediately postnatally. With novel techniques, the study of synaptic dysfunction in inherited metabolic diseases has become an emerging research field. More and better therapies are needed for these difficult‐to‐treat diseases.