Synaptic Trafficking of AMPA Receptors

The α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptor has roles in mediating basal synaptic transmission, synapse stabilization, and synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS). As a dynamic component of the postsynaptic membrane, AMPA receptors are capable of rapid translocation in response to changes in synaptic activity. The molecular and cellular mechanisms that control the assembly and synaptic targeting of individual AMPA receptors are now beginning to be uncovered. The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of the recent progress in understanding activity-dependent and activity-independent synaptic trafficking of AMPA receptors emphasizing the roles of specific AMPA receptor subunits and their interacting proteins. Advanced imaging technologies have allowed direct visualization of receptor trafficking and their translocation related to synaptic plasticity. Multiple AMPA receptor-binding proteins and their involvement in different steps of AMPA receptor trafficking have been revealed.