Emerging role of AMPA receptor subunit GluA1 in synaptic plasticity: Implications for Alzheimer's disease

It is well established that GluA1 mediated synaptic plasticity plays a central role in the early development of AD. The complex cellular and molecular mechanisms that enable GluA1-related synaptic regulation remain to fully understood. Particularly, understanding the mechanisms that disrupt GluA1 related synaptic plasticity is central to the development of disease-modifying therapies which are sorely needed as the incidence of AD rises. We surmise that the published evidence establishes deficits in synaptic plasticity as a central factor of AD aetiology. We additionally highlight potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of AD, and we delve into the roles of GluA1 in learning and memory. Particularly, we review the current understanding of the molecular interactions that confer the actions of this ubiquitous excitatory receptor subunit including post-translational modification and accessory protein recruitment of the GluA1 subunit. These are proposed to regulate receptor trafficking, recycling, channel conductance and synaptic transmission and plasticity.