Modulation of ubiquitination of synaptic proteins for the treatment of neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders

The instant invention is based, at least in part, on a newly-identified proteasome-independent signaling function of ubiquitinated PSD-95. Mdm2 inhibitors, Mdm4 inhibitors, PSD-95 inhibitors, and/or enantiomers and/or derivatives thereof decrease endocytosis via preventing PSD-95 ubiquitination, and thereby increase AMPAR, NMDAR, D1 dopamine receptor surface expression in response to a given stimulus (e.g., NMDA, Aβ). Accordingly, the invention provides methods for modulating AMPARs, NMDARs, or D1 dopamine receptors in a neuronal cell by contacting the neuronal cell with an Mdm2 and/or Mdm4 inhibitor or PSD-95 inhibitor and/or enantiomers and/or derivatives thereof. Mdm2 and/or Mdm4 inhibitors decrease the enzymatic activity of the respective proteins, and/or interactions with their respective substrates. Mdm2 and Mdm4 inhibitors and/or PSD-95 inhibitors of the invention are contemplated for use in the treatment of neurological disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and psychiatric disorders. The invention also provides methods to screen for new Mdm2 and Mdm4 inhibitors and PSD-95 inhibitors and/or enantiomers and/or derivatives thereof.