(RS)-4-Carboxyphenylglycine (CAS 7292-81-1)

(RS)-4-Carboxyphenylglycine is a chiral amino acid derivative characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group at the para position of the phenyl ring attached to a glycine backbone. This compound is of particular interest in research involving neurotransmission and receptor pharmacology, especially in the study of glutamatergic signaling pathways. (RS)-4-Carboxyphenylglycine is a known modulator of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs), which are G-protein coupled receptors involved in a wide array of neurological processes, including synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. In research, this compound is often used to investigate the roles of different mGluR subtypes by acting as a competitive antagonist or partial agonist, depending on the receptor subtype. Its structural similarity to glutamate, the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, allows it to interact with these receptors, thereby influencing the downstream signaling cascades. (RS)-4-Carboxyphenylglycine is also utilized in studies exploring the regulation of excitatory neurotransmission and the potential for receptor desensitization or downregulation in response to sustained ligand exposure. Additionally, its enantiomeric nature allows researchers to explore the stereospecific effects on receptor binding and activity, contributing to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying receptor function and the potential for developing selective modulators for research purposes.