Molecular mechanism of calcium permeability and magnesium block in NMDA receptors

Nature Neuroscience, Published online: 05 May 2026; doi:10.1038/s41593-026-02283-3

Using cryo-electron microscopy and electrophysiology, this study explains the structural basis for Ca2+ permeation and Mg2+ block in NMDA receptors and identifies a surrounding lipid network that may tune Mg2+-dependent voltage sensitivity.