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A functional AMPA receptor–calcium channel complex in the postsynaptic membrane
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

A functional AMPA receptor–calcium channel complex in the postsynaptic membrane

Myoung-Goo Kang, Chien-Chang Chen, Minoru Wakamori, Yuji Hara, Yasuo Mori and Kevin P Campbell
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS, Vol.103(14), pp.5561-5566
04/04/2006
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0601289103
PMCID: PMC1459393
PMID: 16567654
url
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0601289103View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Ca2+ channels play critical roles in the regulation of synaptic activity. In contrast to the well established function of voltage-activated Ca2+ channels in the presynaptic membrane for neurotransmitter release, some studies are just beginning to elucidate the functions of the Ca2+ channels in the postsynaptic membrane. In this study, we demonstrated the functional association of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors with the neuronal Ca2+ channels. A series of biochemical studies showed the specific association of Cav2.1 (α1A-class) and Cav2.2 (α1B-class) with AMPA receptors in the postsynaptic membrane. Our electrophysiological and Ca2+ imaging analyses of recombinant Cav2.1 and AMPA receptors also showed functional coupling of the two channels. Considering the critical roles of postsynaptic intracellular concentration of Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) increase and AMPA receptor trafficking for long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), the functional association of Ca2+ channels with the AMPA receptors may provide new insights into the mechanism of synaptic plasticity.
Biological Sciences postsynaptic density voltage-activated Ca2+ channel synaptic plasticity glutamate receptor stargazin

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