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Synaptic plasticity regulated by protein-protein interactions and posttranslational modifications.
Norihiko Yokoi1, Masaki Fukata, Yuko Fukata
1Division of Membrane Physiology, Department of Cell Physiology, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan.
International Review of Cell and Molecular Biology
|May 22, 2012
Summary
α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors are crucial for brain communication and learning. This review explores how protein interactions and modifications regulate AMPAR trafficking and function, impacting synaptic plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Synaptic Plasticity
Background:
- α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)-type glutamate receptors (AMPARs) are central to fast excitatory neurotransmission in the brain.
- AMPARs are dynamically trafficked to and from the postsynaptic membrane, influencing synaptic strength.
- The number and properties of postsynaptic AMPARs are critical for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on regulatory mechanisms of AMPAR trafficking and channel gating.
- To highlight the roles of protein-protein interactions and posttranslational modifications in AMPAR regulation.
- To discuss the function of stargazin/TARPs, PSD-95, PSD-95 palmitoylating enzymes, and LGI1 in AMPARs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on AMPARs.
- Focus on molecular mechanisms of AMPAR trafficking and gating.
- Discussion of protein interactions and posttranslational modifications.
Main Results:
- Protein-protein interactions and posttranslational modifications significantly regulate AMPAR trafficking and gating.
- Stargazin/TARPs and PSD-95 play key roles in AMPAR function.
- Novel regulatory factors, including PSD-95 palmitoylating enzymes and LGI1, are identified.
Conclusions:
- Understanding AMPAR regulation is crucial for elucidating mechanisms of synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
- Stargazin/TARPs, PSD-95, PSD-95 palmitoylating enzymes, and LGI1 are important targets for future research.
- Further investigation into these regulatory pathways may offer insights into neurological disorders.
