Glutamic acid (abbreviated as Glu or E) is one of the 20-22 proteinogenic amino acids, and its codons are GAA and GAG. Non-essential amino acid for human development; referred to as an excitatory amino acid (EAA) due to its role in neurotransmission. It is an excitatory amino acid which acts as a neurotransmitter at fast synapses; agonist at kainate, NMDA and quisqualate receptors. The carboxylate anions and salts of glutamic acid are known as glutamates.
Synonyms: L-2-Aminopentanedioic acid, (S)-(+)-glutamic acid, L-Glu, Glu, (S)-2-Aminopentanedioic acid, a-aminoglutaric acid, 1-aminopropane-1,3- dicarboxylic acid, Glu, E
CAS Number: 56-86-0
Molecular Formula: C5H9NO4
Molecular Weight: 147.13
Beilstein Registry Number: 1723801
EC Number: 200-293-7
MDL Number: MFCD00002634
Biochem/physiol Actions
An excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter that is an agonist at all subtypes of glutamate receptors (metabotropic, kainate, NMDA, and AMPA).