Page last updated: 2024-10-24

AMPA glutamate receptor complex

Definition

Target type: cellularcomponent

An assembly of four or five subunits which form a structure with an extracellular N-terminus and a large loop that together form the ligand binding domain. The C-terminus is intracellular. The ionotropic glutamate receptor complex itself acts as a ligand gated ion channel; on binding glutamate, charged ions pass through a channel in the center of the receptor complex. The AMPA receptors mediate fast synaptic transmission in the CNS and are composed of subunits GluR1-4, products from separate genes. These subunits have an extracellular N-terminus and an intracellular C-terminus. [GOC:ef]

The AMPA glutamate receptor complex, a critical component of excitatory synapses in the central nervous system, is embedded within the postsynaptic density (PSD) of neuronal membranes. This complex is a dynamic and multi-protein assembly, consisting of several key components:

- **AMPA receptor subunits:** These transmembrane proteins, primarily GluA1-4, form the core of the complex. They bind glutamate, triggering ion channel opening and neuronal excitation.

- **Scaffolding proteins:** These proteins, such as PSD-95, SAP97, and GKAP, provide structural support and link the AMPA receptor subunits to other components of the PSD. They facilitate receptor clustering and anchoring within the synapse.

- **Signaling molecules:** Enzymes like CaMKII and PKC, and adaptor proteins like GRIP and PICK1, are associated with the AMPA receptor complex. They regulate receptor trafficking, phosphorylation, and downstream signaling pathways.

- **Lipid rafts:** These specialized membrane microdomains enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids are thought to contribute to the organization and stability of the AMPA receptor complex.

- **Cytoskeletal elements:** Actin filaments and other cytoskeletal components interact with the PSD and AMPA receptors, influencing receptor mobility and synapse morphology.

This complex interplay of components ensures the efficient and regulated function of AMPA receptors at the synapse. The dynamic assembly and regulation of the AMPA receptor complex are essential for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory formation.'
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Proteins (14)

ProteinDefinitionTaxonomy
Voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-2 subunitA voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-2 subunit that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9Y698]Homo sapiens (human)
Voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-5 subunitA voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-5 subunit that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9UF02]Homo sapiens (human)
Voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-4 subunitA voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-4 subunit that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9UBN1]Homo sapiens (human)
Protein-serine O-palmitoleoyltransferase porcupineA protein-serine O-palmitoleoyltransferase porcupine that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9H237]Homo sapiens (human)
Monoacylglycerol lipase ABHD6A monoacylglycerol lipase ABHD6 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q9BV23]Homo sapiens (human)
Voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-8 subunitA voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-8 subunit that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q8WXS5]Homo sapiens (human)
Lysophosphatidylserine lipase ABHD12A lysophosphatidylserine lipase ABHD12 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:Q8N2K0]Homo sapiens (human)
Disks large homolog 4A disks large homolog 4 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P78352]Homo sapiens (human)
Voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-7 subunitA voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-7 subunit that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P62955]Homo sapiens (human)
Glutamate receptor 4A glutamate receptor 4 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P48058]Homo sapiens (human)
Glutamate receptor 3A glutamate receptor 3 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P42263]Homo sapiens (human)
Glutamate receptor 2A glutamate receptor 2 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P42262]Homo sapiens (human)
Glutamate receptor 1A glutamate receptor 1 that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:P42261]Homo sapiens (human)
Voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-3 subunitA voltage-dependent calcium channel gamma-3 subunit that is encoded in the genome of human. [PRO:DNx, UniProtKB:O60359]Homo sapiens (human)

Compounds (76)

CompoundDefinitionClassesRoles
aminolevulinic acid5-aminolevulinic acid : The simplest delta-amino acid in which the hydrogens at the gamma position are replaced by an oxo group. It is metabolised to protoporphyrin IX, a photoactive compound which accumulates in the skin. Used (in the form of the hydrochloride salt)in combination with blue light illumination for the treatment of minimally to moderately thick actinic keratosis of the face or scalp.

Aminolevulinic Acid: A compound produced from succinyl-CoA and GLYCINE as an intermediate in heme synthesis. It is used as a PHOTOCHEMOTHERAPY for actinic KERATOSIS.
4-oxo monocarboxylic acid;
amino acid zwitterion;
delta-amino acid
antineoplastic agent;
dermatologic drug;
Escherichia coli metabolite;
human metabolite;
mouse metabolite;
photosensitizing agent;
plant metabolite;
prodrug;
Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite
5-aminovaleric acid5-aminopentanoic acid : A delta-amino acid comprising pentanoic acid with an amino substituent at C-5; a methylene homologue of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) that is a weak GABA agonist.

5-aminovaleric acid: from red fox anal secretion; RN given refers to parent cpd
amino acid zwitterion;
delta-amino acid;
omega-amino fatty acid
human metabolite
alanylalaninealanylalanine: RN given refers to (DL)-isomerdipeptide
alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acidalpha-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic Acid: An IBOTENIC ACID homolog and glutamate agonist. The compound is the defining agonist for the AMPA subtype of glutamate receptors (RECEPTORS, AMPA). It has been used as a radionuclide imaging agent but is more commonly used as an experimental tool in cell biological studies.non-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid
tacrinetacrine : A member of the class of acridines that is 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroacridine substituted by an amino group at position 9. It is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Tacrine: A cholinesterase inhibitor that crosses the blood-brain barrier. Tacrine has been used to counter the effects of muscle relaxants, as a respiratory stimulant, and in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other central nervous system disorders.
acridines;
aromatic amine
EC 3.1.1.7 (acetylcholinesterase) inhibitor
aniracetamN-acylpyrrolidine;
pyrrolidin-2-ones
cyclothiazidecyclothiazide : 3,4-Dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide substituted at positions 3, 5 and 6 by a 2-norbornen-5-yl group, chlorine, and a sulfonamide group, respectively. A thiazide diuretic, it has been used in the management of hypertension and oedema.

cyclothiazide: inhibits the desensitization of AMPA-type receptors; structure
benzothiadiazineantihypertensive agent;
diuretic
gyki 52466GYKI 52466: an AMPA (non-NMDA) receptor antagonist; structure given in first sourcebenzodiazepine
nimodipinenimodipine : A dihydropyridine that is 1,4-dihydropyridine which is substituted by methyl groups at positions 2 and 6, a (2-methoxyethoxy)carbonyl group at position 3, a m-nitrophenyl group at position 4, and an isopropoxycarbonyl group at position 5. An L-type calcium channel blocker, it acts particularly on cerebral circulation, and is used both orally and intravenously for the prevention and treatment of subarachnoid hemorrhage from ruptured intracranial aneurysm.

Nimodipine: A calcium channel blockader with preferential cerebrovascular activity. It has marked cerebrovascular dilating effects and lowers blood pressure.
2-methoxyethyl ester;
C-nitro compound;
dicarboxylic acids and O-substituted derivatives;
diester;
dihydropyridine;
isopropyl ester
antihypertensive agent;
calcium channel blocker;
cardiovascular drug;
vasodilator agent
1,6-bis(cyclohexyloximinocarbonyl)hexane1,6-bis(cyclohexyloximinocarbonyl)hexane: selective inhibitor of canine platelet diglyceride lipasecarbamate ester;
organonitrogen compound
kainic acidKainic Acid: (2S-(2 alpha,3 beta,4 beta))-2-Carboxy-4-(1-methylethenyl)-3-pyrrolidineacetic acid. Ascaricide obtained from the red alga Digenea simplex. It is a potent excitatory amino acid agonist at some types of excitatory amino acid receptors and has been used to discriminate among receptor types. Like many excitatory amino acid agonists it can cause neurotoxicity and has been used experimentally for that purpose.dicarboxylic acid;
L-proline derivative;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid;
pyrrolidinecarboxylic acid
antinematodal drug;
excitatory amino acid agonist
glycylglycinedipeptide;
dipeptide zwitterion
human metabolite
dronabinolDelta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol : A diterpenoid that is 6a,7,8,10a-tetrahydro-6H-benzo[c]chromene substituted at position 1 by a hydroxy group, positions 6, 6 and 9 by methyl groups and at position 3 by a pentyl group. The principal psychoactive constituent of the cannabis plant, it is used for treatment of anorexia associated with AIDS as well as nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.

Dronabinol: A psychoactive compound extracted from the resin of Cannabis sativa (marihuana, hashish). The isomer delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is considered the most active form, producing characteristic mood and perceptual changes associated with this compound.
benzochromene;
diterpenoid;
phytocannabinoid;
polyketide
cannabinoid receptor agonist;
epitope;
hallucinogen;
metabolite;
non-narcotic analgesic
glutamic acidglutamic acid : An alpha-amino acid that is glutaric acid bearing a single amino substituent at position 2.

Glutamic Acid: A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in the L-form. Glutamic acid is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM.
glutamic acid;
glutamine family amino acid;
L-alpha-amino acid;
proteinogenic amino acid
Escherichia coli metabolite;
ferroptosis inducer;
micronutrient;
mouse metabolite;
neurotransmitter;
nutraceutical
selfotelselfotel: a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist; used to treat stroke-induced impairmentnon-proteinogenic alpha-amino acid
leucyl-alanineLeu-Ala : A dipeptide composed of L-leucine and L-alanine joined by a peptide linkage.dipeptidemetabolite
alanylprolinealanylproline: RN given refers to all (L)-isomerdipeptide;
dipeptide zwitterion
metabolite
glycylleucineGly-Leu : A dipeptide composed of glycine and L-leucine joined by a peptide linkage.dipeptide;
dipeptide zwitterion
metabolite
alanyltyrosineAla-Tyr : A dipeptide composed of L-alanine and L-tyrosine joined by a peptide linkage.

alanyltyrosine: tyrosine source; RN given refers to (L)-isomer
dipeptidemetabolite
glycylsarcosineglycylsarcosine : A dipeptide obtained by formal condensation of the carboxy group of glycine with the amino group of sarcosine.dipeptide;
dipeptide zwitterion
glycylaspartic acidglycylaspartic acid: RN given refers to (L)-isomerdipeptidemetabolite
histidinoalaninehistidinoalanine: cross-linking amino acid in calcified tissue collagen; RN given refers to (L)-isomerdipeptide;
dipeptide zwitterion
metabolite
jstx-3JSTX-3: structure in first sourceN-acyl-amino acid
argiotoxin-636argiotoxin-636: from the venom of Argiope aurantia; blocks neuromuscular transmission in insects; structure in first source.N-acyl-amino acid
2-amino-3-(3-(carboxymethoxy)-5-methylisoxazol-4-yl)propionic acid2-amino-3-(3-(carboxymethoxy)-5-methylisoxazol-4-yl)propionic acid: glutamate receptor antagonist; protects against kainic acid neurotoxicity in cultured cerebral cortex neurons
5-fluorowillardiine3-(5-fluorouracil-1-yl)-L-alanine : An alanine derivative that is L-alanine bearing a 5-fluorouracil-1-yl substituent at position 3. A more potent and selective AMPA receptor agonist (at hGluR1 and hGluR2) than AMPA itself (Ki = 14.7, 25.1, and 1820 nM for hGluR1, hGluR2 and hGluR5 respectively).

5-fluorowillardiine: a glutamate agonist; RN given for (S)-isomer
L-alanine derivative;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid;
organofluorine compound
AMPA receptor agonist
gyki 53655GYKI 53655: an AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate) receptor antagonist
ly 293558tezampanel: structure given in first source; an AMPA receptor antagonist
alanylglutamic acidalanylglutamic acid: RN given refers to (L)-isomer

L-alanyl-L-glutamic acid : A dipeptide consisting of L-glutamic acid having an L-alanyl attached to its alpha-amino group
dipeptide
bdp 121-(quinoxalin-6-ylcarbonyl)piperidine: modulates AMPA receptor desensitization ; an analog of 1-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-ylcarbonyl)piperidineN-acylpiperidine
prolyl-tyrosinePro-Tyr : A dipeptide formed from L-proline and L-tyrosine residues.

prolyl-tyrosine: structure given in first source
dipeptidemetabolite
alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid
5-bromowillardiine5-bromowillardiine: acts as a kainate-like agonist on chick EAA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes; RN given refers to (S)-isomer; RN for cpd without isomeric designation not avail 5/91
prolylglutamic acidPro-Glu : A dipeptide formed from L-proline and L-glutamic acid residues.dipeptidemetabolite
cysteinylglycinecysteinylglycine: RN given refers to (L)-isomer; RN for cpd without isomeric designation not in Chemlne 7/13/83

L-cysteinylglycine : A dipeptide consisting of glycine having an L-cysteinyl attached to its alpha-amino group. It is an intermediate metabolite in glutathione metabolism.
dipeptide;
dipeptide zwitterion
Escherichia coli metabolite;
human metabolite;
Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolite
willardiine3-(uracil-1-yl)-L-alanine : The 3-(uracil-1-yl) derivative of L-alanine.

willardiine: isolated from seeds of Acacia willariana; structure
amino acid zwitterion;
L-alanine derivative;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid
(S)-ATPA(S)-ATPA : A non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid that is L-alanine in which one of the methyl hydrogens is replaced by a 5-tert-butyl-3-hydroxy-isooxazol-4-yl group.isoxazoles;
non-proteinogenic L-alpha-amino acid
metabolite
aspartyl-aspartic acidAsp-Asp : A dipeptide formed from two L-aspartic acid units.

aspartyl-aspartic acid: do not confuse with cyclo(Asp-Asp)
dipeptideMycoplasma genitalium metabolite
ly382884benzoic acids
N-(6-methyl-1,3-benzothiazol-2-yl)-2-[(4-oxo-3-phenyl-6,7-dihydrothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-2-yl)thio]acetamideorganic heterobicyclic compound;
organonitrogen heterocyclic compound;
organosulfur heterocyclic compound
4-bromohomoibotenic acid, (rs)-isomer
glycylprolineGly-Pro : A dipeptide consisting of L-proline having a glycyl residue attached to its alpha-amino group.dipeptide;
dipeptide zwitterion
metabolite
orlistatorlistat : A carboxylic ester resulting from the formal condensation of the carboxy group of N-formyl-L-leucine with the hydroxy group of (3S,4S)-3-hexyl-4-[(2S)-2-hydroxytridecyl]oxetan-2-one. A pancreatic lipase inhibitor, it is used as an anti-obesity drug.

Orlistat: A lactone derivative of LEUCINE that acts as a pancreatic lipase inhibitor to limit the absorption of dietary fat; it is used in the management of obesity.
beta-lactone;
carboxylic ester;
formamides;
L-leucine derivative
anti-obesity agent;
bacterial metabolite;
EC 2.3.1.85 (fatty acid synthase) inhibitor;
EC 3.1.1.3 (triacylglycerol lipase) inhibitor
2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(f)quinoxaline2,3-dioxo-6-nitro-7-sulfamoylbenzo(f)quinoxaline: structure given in first source; neuroprotectant for cerebral ischemia; AMPA receptor antagonistnaphthalenes;
sulfonic acid derivative
6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione6-Cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione: A potent excitatory amino acid antagonist with a preference for non-NMDA iontropic receptors. It is used primarily as a research tool.quinoxaline derivative
fg 9041FG 9041: structure given in first sourcequinoxaline derivative
seryl-prolineSer-Pro : A dipeptide formed from L-serine and L-proline residues.dipeptidemetabolite
lofepramine hydrochloride
phenylalanylalaninePhe-Ala : A dipeptide formed from L-phenylalanine and L-alanine residues.

phenylalanylalanine: RN given refers to (L)-isomer
dipeptide;
dipeptide zwitterion
metabolite
acetylalanylalanineacetylalanylalanine: RN given refers to (D)-isomer
alpha-aspartylalaninealpha-aspartylalanine: found in pig brain

Asp-Ala : A dipeptide formed from L-alpha-aspartyl and L-valine residues.
dipeptidemetabolite
alanyltyrosineTyr-Ala : A dipeptide formed from L-tyrosine and L-alanine residues.dipeptidemetabolite
ubp 310UBP 310: a GluR5 antagonist; structure in first source
ubp 302
prolylglycineL-prolylglycine : A dipeptide consisting of glycine having an L-prolyl group attached to its alpha-amino nitrogen.

prolylglycine: RN given refers to (L)-isomer
dipeptide;
dipeptide zwitterion
cx 6142H,3H,6aH-pyrrolidino(2'',1''-3',2')1,3-oxazino(6',5'-5,4)benzo(e)1, 4-dioxan-10-one: an ampakine (AMPA receptor modulator); structure in first source
ith 4012
glutamylalanineGlu-Ala : A dipeptide formed from L-alpha-glutamyl and L-alanine residues.dipeptidemetabolite
phenylalanylphenylalaninePhe-Phe : A dipeptide formed from two L-phenylalanine residues.dipeptide;
L-aminoacyl-L-amino acid zwitterion
human blood serum metabolite;
Mycoplasma genitalium metabolite
phenylalanyl-valineVal-Phe : A dipeptide formed from L-valine and L-phenylalanine residues.dipeptidemetabolite
alanylglycinedipeptide;
dipeptide zwitterion
metabolite
valyltyrosineVal-Tyr : A dipeptide formed from L-valine and L-tyrosine residues.

valyltyrosine: from sardine muscle hydrolyzate
dipeptidemetabolite
phenylalanylprolinePhe-Pro : A dipeptide formed from L-phenylalanine and L-proline residues.dipeptidemetabolite
glycylhistidineGly-His : A dipeptide composed of glycine and L-histidine joined by a peptide linkage.

glycylhistidine: RN given refers to (L)-isomer
dipeptide;
dipeptide zwitterion
metabolite
prolyl-serinePro-Ser : A dipeptide formed from L-proline and L-serine residues.dipeptidemetabolite
prolylvalineVal-Pro : A dipeptide formed from L-valine and L-proline residues.dipeptidemetabolite
tqx 173
perampanelperampanel : A member of the class of bipyridines that is 2,3'-bipyridin-6'-one substituted at positions 1' and 5' by phenyl and 2-cyanophenyl groups respectively. Used as an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients with epilepsy.bipyridines;
nitrile;
pyridone
AMPA receptor antagonist;
anticonvulsant
ly 392098LY 392098: structure in first source
ly 404187LY 404187: structure in first source
6-azido-7-nitro-1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2,3-dione6-azido-7-nitro-1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2,3-dione: structure in first source
4-ethyl-7-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2h-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide4-ethyl-7-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide: an AMPA modulator; structure in first source
tat-nr2b9cTat-NR2B9c: a synthetic peptide consisting of the C-terminal 9 amino acids of the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor fused to the cell membrane protein transduction domain of the HIV-1-Tat protein
lgk974LGK974 : A carboxamide, the structure of which is that of acetamide substituted on carbon by a 2',3-dimethyl-2,4'-bipyridin-5-yl group and on nitrogen by a 5-(pyrazin-2-yl)pyridin-2-yl group. It is a highly potent, selective and orally bioavailable Porcupine inhibitor (a Wnt signalling inhibitor).

LGK974: a potent and specific small-molecule inhibitor of Porcupine (PORCN) acyltransferase
bipyridines;
pyrazines;
pyridines;
secondary carboxamide
Wnt signalling inhibitor
wnt-c592-(4-(2-methylpyridin-4-yl)phenyl)-N-(4-(pyridin-3-yl)phenyl)acetamide: a PORCN acyltransferase inhibitor; structure in first source
4-cyclopropyl-7-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2h-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide4-cyclopropyl-7-fluoro-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,2,4-benzothiadiazine 1,1-dioxide: a GluA2 positive allosteric modulator; structure in first source