AMPA receptors and auxiliary subunits in central synaptic transmission

TL;DRAbstract

AMPA receptors (AMPARs) mediate the majority of fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system (CNS). AMPARs are tetrameric assemblies of AMPAR subunits forming a functional ion channel gated by the binding of glutamate. The functional properties of AMPARs dictate key features of the excitatory postsynaptic current and they differ with receptor subunit composition (GluA1-4). The incorporation of GluA2 determines many key properties of AMPARs including their permeability to calcium. GluA2-lacking AMPARs are calcium permeable and their expression is tightly regulated. Transmembrane AMPAR regulatory proteins (TARPs) also play a vital role in the regulation of AMPAR properties. TARPs aid the trafficking of AMPARs to the neuronal surface and their synaptic targeting. They also regulate AMPAR channel properties and their gating. AMPARs are known to be dynamic at the neuronal surface. AMPAR density at the synapse changes with synaptic strength, as does their subunit compo

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