α2δ-1 switches the phenotype of synaptic AMPA receptors by physically disrupting heteromeric subunit assembly

Abstract

Many neurological disorders show an increased prevalence of GluA2-lacking, Ca²⁺-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPARs), which dramatically alters synaptic function. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this distinct synaptic plasticity remains enigmatic. Here, we show that nerve injury potentiates postsynaptic, but not presynaptic, CP-AMPARs in the spinal dorsal horn via α2δ-1. Overexpressing α2δ-1, previously regarded as a Ca²⁺ channel subunit, augments CP-AMPAR levels at the cell surface and synapse. Mechanistically, α2δ-1 physically interacts with both GluA1 and GluA2 via its C terminus, inhibits the GluA1/GluA2 heteromeric assembly, and increases GluA2 retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. Consequently, α2δ-1 diminishes the availability and synaptic expression of GluA1/GluA2 heterotetramers in the spinal cord in neuropathic pain. Inhibiting α2δ-1 with gabapentin or disrupting the α2δ-1-AMPAR complex fully restores the intracellular assembly and synaptic dominance of heteromeric GluA1/GluA2 receptors. Thus, α2δ-1 is a pivotal AMPAR-interacting protein that controls the subunit composition and Ca²⁺ permeability of postsynaptic AMPARs.

Keywords: Cacna2d1; GluR2; NMDA receptor; diabetic neuropathy; dorsal root ganglion; gabapentinoids; pregabalin; synaptic trafficking; thrombospondin; voltage-activated calcium channel.