Glutamate receptor ionotropic AMPA subunit 3 (GluA3)

Glutamate receptor ionotropic AMPA subunit 3 (GluA3), encoded by the GRIA3 gene, is one of the four main subunits (GluA1–4) of AMPA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors, which are key mediators of rapid excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system[1][3]. GluA3 is a tetrameric cation channel permeable to Na+ and sometimes Ca2+, assembled together with other subunits to form functional receptors[3]. Unique among AMPARs, the GluA3 protein has a special structure—its extracellular domains (NTD and LBD) are closely coupled across all gating states, a feature that impacts receptor signaling, trafficking, and is associated with human neurological disease[2][4]. GluA3-containing receptors regulate synaptic strength and plasticity, playing a crucial role in learning and memory[6][1]. Dysfunction or mutation in GluA3 has been linked to epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, and mood disturbances[4][1]. Pharmacological antagonists of AMPARs that include GluA3 are used to treat epilepsy and are under investigation for other CNS diseases[5].

Other names

Glutamate receptor 3GRIA3 (gene symbol)GluR3AMPA receptor subunit GluA3

Non-competitive antagonism of the ion channel (e.g., perampanel); Competitive antagonism at the glutamate binding site (e.g., NBQX); Allosteric modulation of synaptic plasticity and conductance states