Glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2)

Glutamate receptor 2 (GluR2) is a subunit of the AMPA-type ionotropic glutamate receptor, encoded by the GRIA2 gene[3][1][8]. It functions as a ligand-gated cation channel mediating fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system, primarily through sodium influx but modulated calcium permeability depending on RNA editing at the Q/R site[1][6][5]. The subunit is crucial for normal synaptic function, neuroplasticity, and influences cellular responses to injury and disease[4][8]. GluR2-containing AMPA receptors are calcium-impermeable and insensitive to polyamine block, unlike GluR2-lacking receptors which are permeable to calcium and sensitive to polyamines[5]. Dysregulation or mutation of GluR2 impacts neuronal survival, disease states such as Alzheimer's, and responses to ischemic injury[1][2][6]. Drugs and endogenous modulators, including CB1 receptor agonists/antagonists, glutamatergic agonists, and AMPAR antagonists, interact with the receptor to modulate its activity and contribute to therapeutic interventions in neurological diseases[2][3][5][8].

Other names

AMPA-selective glutamate receptor 2GluA2GluR-2GluR-BGluR-K2GLUR2Glutamate receptor ionotropic, AMPA 2GRIA2 (gene name)

Ligand binding induces conformational change leading to opening of cation channel, allowing sodium and calcium influx Drugs and endogenous molecules modulate channel conductance, desensitization/resensitization, and calcium permeability RNA editing of GluR2 (Q/R site) regulates calcium permeability and is essential for normal receptor function