The intersections of NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity and cell survival

► Synaptic plasticity involves a complex network of intracellular signaling that commonly begin from NMDA receptor activation. ► Neuronal survival and death signals can both originate from the NMDA receptor. ► Many of the synaptic plasticity mechanisms are shared with cell survival and cell death. ► Synaptic plasticity is impaired in the early stages of some neurodegenerative diseases. ► A greater understanding of the points of convergence of these mechanisms may offer new opportunities for neuroprotection.