Abstract: 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, A?). 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.

Abstract: 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 de-crease 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, A?). Accordingly, the invention provides methods for modulating AM-PARS, 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.

Abstract: Tagged saxiphilin and tagged fragments thereof that bind saxitoxin and saxitoxin derivatives, methods of producing tagged saxiphilin and tagged fragments and methods of detecting and measuring saxitoxin and saxitoxin derivatives in samples.