Glutamate Receptor Ionotropic Kainate Subunit (KAR subunit)

The glutamate receptor ionotropic kainate subunits are integral membrane proteins that form part of the kainate class of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs). These receptors mediate fast excitatory neurotransmission in the central nervous system by functioning as ligand-gated cation channels activated primarily by the neurotransmitter glutamate. They play roles at both pre- and postsynaptic sites modulating synaptic transmission and influencing synaptic plasticity. Alterations or mutations in genes encoding these subunits have been linked to various neurological disorders including epilepsy, schizophrenia, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders.

Other names

Kainate receptor subunitGluK1GluK2GluK3GluK4GluK5GluR5GluR6GluR7KA1KA2

Agonist binding leading to cation channel opening