Glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 3 (GluA3) (GluA3)

The Glutamate ionotropic receptor AMPA type subunit 3 (GluA3) is a protein subunit of the AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptor, a ligand-gated ion channel that mediates fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system (UniProt P42263). GluA3 subunits typically assemble as heterotetramers, often with GluA2, to form functional channels whose kinetics and calcium permeability are essential for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory (PubMed: 25114175). Mutations in the GRIA3 gene, located on the X chromosome, are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders including X-linked intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder (NCBI Gene: 2892). Furthermore, the presence of autoantibodies against the GluA3 subunit is a hallmark of Rasmussen's encephalitis, a severe inflammatory condition characterized by intractable seizures and progressive cognitive decline (PubMed: 7512641). In clinical practice, AMPA receptors are targeted by non-competitive antagonists like perampanel to treat epilepsy by reducing excessive excitatory signaling (PubChem: CID 10223048). Research also explores positive allosteric modulators of these receptors, known as AMPAkines, for their potential to enhance cognitive function in various neurological conditions.

Other names

GRIA3GluR3GluR-CGluR-K3Glutamate receptor 3AMPA-selective glutamate receptor 3

Non-competitive antagonism of the AMPA-type ionotropic glutamate receptor to inhibit glutamate-induced post-synaptic excitation (PubChem: CID 10223048).