Interacting partners of AMPA-type glutamate receptors

J Mol Neurosci. 2012 Oct;48(2):441-7. doi: 10.1007/s12031-012-9724-6. Epub 2012 Feb 24.

Abstract

Glutamate is the principal excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain. The alpha-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic (AMPA) receptors, as one of several types of endogenous ionotropic glutamate receptors, mediate the fast excitatory synaptic transmission that is essential for information processing and integration in the mammalian brain. Modifications of AMPA receptors are assumed to be the molecular basis underlying learning and memory, and impairments of AMPA receptors cause certain neurological diseases, including epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders, and Alzheimer's disease. Thus, extensive studies have been conducted, and these have revealed a complex protein-protein network controlling the expression, trafficking, and function of AMPA receptors in neurons. Here, we summarize the interacting partners of AMPA-type glutamate receptors and the functional implications of these interactions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Diseases / metabolism
  • Brain Diseases / physiopathology
  • Glutamic Acid / metabolism*
  • Glutamic Acid / physiology
  • Humans
  • Receptors, AMPA / metabolism*
  • Receptors, AMPA / physiology
  • Synapses / metabolism
  • Synapses / physiology
  • Synaptic Transmission / physiology

Substances

  • Receptors, AMPA
  • Glutamic Acid