Alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid receptor (AMPA Receptor)

The AMPA receptor is a subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors that mediates fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. It is a tetrameric ion channel composed of GluA1-4 subunits and is crucial for rapid neuronal communication, learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity. Upon glutamate binding, the channel opens, allowing Na+ influx and neuronal depolarization. Auxiliary proteins modulate its trafficking, gating, and pharmacology. The defining agonist is AMPA itself.

Other names

AMPARGluA1GluA2GluA3GluA4GRIA1GRIA2GRIA3GRIA4

Agonists bind to the ligand-binding domain of the AMPA receptor, causing a conformational change that opens the ion channel pore, allowing influx of Na+ (and Ca2+ in some cases) and subsequent neuronal depolarization.