The Role of the GluR2 Subunit in AMPA Receptor Function and Synaptic Plasticity

• Published in: Neuron (Cambridge, Mass.) Vol. 54; no. 6; pp. 859 - 871
• Main Authors: Isaac, John T.R., Ashby, Michael C., McBain, Chris J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 21-06-2007; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Animals; Calcium - metabolism; Editing; Gene expression; Models, Biological; Neuronal Plasticity - physiology; Permeability; Polyamines; Receptors, AMPA - chemistry; Receptors, AMPA - physiology; Rodents; Synapses - physiology
• ISSN: 0896-6273; 1097-4199
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2007.06.001

The AMPA receptor (AMPAR) GluR2 subunit dictates the critical biophysical properties of the receptor, strongly influences receptor assembly and trafficking, and plays pivotal roles in a number of forms of long-term synaptic plasticity. Most neuronal AMPARs contain this critical subunit; however, in certain restricted neuronal populations and under certain physiological or pathological conditions, AMPARs that lack this subunit are expressed. There is a current surge of interest in such GluR2-lacking Ca
2+-permeable AMPARs in how they affect the regulation of synaptic transmission. Here, we bring together recent data highlighting the novel and important roles of GluR2 in synaptic function and plasticity.