D-Serine metabolism: New insights into the modulation of d-amino acid oxidase activity

Over the years, accumulating evidence has indicated that d-serine represents the main endogenous ligand of NMDA (N-methyl-d-aspartate) receptors. In the brain, the concentration of d-serine stored in cells is defined by the activity of two enzymes: serine racemase (responsible for both the synthesis and degradation) and d-amino acid oxidase (which catalyses d-serine degradation). The present review is focused on human damino acid oxidase, discussing the mechanisms involved in modulating enzyme activity and stability, with the aim to substantiate the pivotal role of d-amino acid oxidase in brain d-serine metabolism. © 2013 Biochemical Society.