Abstract
Synapses, once considered static conduits for neuronal signals, are now recognized as dynamic, multifunctional structures critical to brain function, plasticity, and disease. This evolving understanding has highlighted the tripartite nature of synapses, including pre-synaptic terminals, post-synaptic compartments, and regulatory glial elements. Among excitatory synapses, glutamatergic transmission dominates, with AMPA receptors (AMPARs) playing a central role in fast synaptic signaling. AMPARs are tetrameric, ligand-gated ion channels that mediate rapid depolarization and are tightly regulated by subunit composition, trafficking, and interactions with scaffolding and signaling proteins. Their activity-dependent modulation underpins key processes such as long-term potentiation and depression, central to learning and memory. Importantly, dysfunctions in AMPAR expression, localization, or signaling are increasingly linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorders, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. This review discusses AMPAR biology in the context of synaptic organization, highlighting recent advances and ongoing challenges in understanding their roles in health and disease.
Introduction
Over the past three decades, our understanding of synapses, the fundamental units of communication between neurons, has evolved dramatically. Once regarded as static junctions responsible solely for transmitting signals across neurons, synapses are now recognized as dynamic, multifunctional structures, finely tuned in space and time. Advances in molecular and imaging technologies have revealed that synaptic composition and organization are not fixed but instead undergo rapid and localized changes with nanometer-scale spatial precision and submillisecond temporal resolution (Nair et al., 2013; ; ). This transformation in perspective has led to the recognition that synapses are not merely neuronal interfaces; they are also the fundamental building blocks of neuronal communication. They are now understood as tripartite functional units composed of the pre-synaptic terminal, the post-synaptic membrane, and a third regulatory element, often glial cells, particularly astrocytes (; Szatkowski et al., 1990; ; ; Villegas, 1972). These non-neuronal cells are not passive bystanders; rather, they actively modulate synaptic strength and contribute to the homeostatic regulation of both the immediate synaptic environment and broader neuronal networks (Perea et al., 2009; ). This insight has expanded our conceptual framework of how information is processed and stored in the brain and has opened new avenues for exploring mechanisms of synaptic dysfunction in disease.
A significant portion of this new understanding has come from studies of excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain. Among the various neurotransmitter systems that mediate excitation, glutamatergic synapses predominate, accounting for approximately 80–90% of excitatory synaptic activity (Somogyi et al., 1998; Shinohara and Hirase, 2009). These synapses are predominantly localized to the dendritic spines, with small, actin-rich protrusions emerging from the dendritic shaft (Weber et al., 2016; Segal, 2005). Each spine typically receives input from a single pre-synaptic bouton, which contains synaptic vesicles filled with glutamate. Upon stimulation, glutamate is released into the synaptic cleft, where it binds to receptors on the post-synaptic membrane. This event triggers the depolarization of the spine and initiates the post-synaptic signaling cascade that determines the likelihood of generating an action potential (Qu et al., 2009; ). The structural and functional compartmentalization provided by dendritic spines enables localized signal processing, allowing neurons to integrate thousands of synaptic inputs with remarkable specificity and plasticity (Tecuatl et al., 2021; ). Over the last two decades, detailed molecular dissection of synaptic architecture has revealed a complex network of proteins involved in synaptic transmission, plasticity, and stability. Key among these are the molecular sensors and receptors that detect the arrival of neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. These include ionotropic receptors such as AMPA and NMDARs, which mediate fast excitatory transmission, as well as metabotropic glutamate receptors that modulate slower, longer-lasting synaptic responses (Watkins and Evans, 1981; ; ). The trafficking, localization, and functional tuning of these receptors are tightly regulated by scaffolding proteins, kinases, and other signaling molecules that collectively form the post-synaptic density (PSD)—a dense, protein-rich structure critical to synaptic integrity. The pre-synaptic machinery is equally intricate, involving vesicle docking, priming, and calcium-dependent fusion processes mediated by proteins such as synaptotagmins, SNAREs, and complexins (Sheng and Kim, 2011; Schoch and Gundelfinger, 2006; Scannevin and Huganir, 2000; ; MacGillavry et al., 2013; ). The coordinated activity of these proteins ensures that neurotransmitter release is both rapid and precisely timed. Importantly, many of these molecules are subject to activity-dependent regulation, providing a mechanistic basis for synaptic plasticity phenomena such as long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), which underlie learning and memory (Szatkowski et al., 1990; ; ).
Glutamate binds with Glutamate receptors and functions as an excitatory neurotransmitter in the Central Nervous System. Classically, Glutamate receptors are classified into two major types: ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) and metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). iGluRs, including α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and kainate receptors, are ligand-gated ion channels that directly affect neuronal excitability (Traynelis et al., 2010). On the other hand, mGluRs are G protein-coupled receptors that indirectly regulate neuronal activity through intracellular signaling pathways (Niswender and Conn, 2010). While early studies in synaptic biology emphasized how these molecular components ensure reliable neuronal signal transmission, contemporary research increasingly highlights their roles in neurological and psychiatric disorders. Our review focuses more on the roles of glutamate receptors, particularly AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptors, which are key mediators of fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system. Discovered as ligand-gated ion channels responsive to the neurotransmitter glutamate, AMPARs are tetrameric complexes typically composed of GluA1-4, with distinct functional properties governed by their subunit composition, post-translational modifications, and interactions with auxiliary proteins (Miguez-Cabello et al., 2025; ; ). Functionally, AMPARs are critical for synaptic plasticity mechanisms such as LTP and LTD, which underlie learning and memory (; ). Their rapid trafficking to and from the synaptic membrane enables dynamic regulation of synaptic strength in response to activity patterns, positioning them as central molecular integrators of experience-dependent neural adaptation. Importantly, dysfunctions in AMPAR expression, localization, or signaling have been implicated in a wide range of brain disorders. Mutations in AMPAR subunits or their associated scaffolding proteins have been linked to autism spectrum disorders, intellectual disability, epilepsy, and schizophrenia (Yonezawa et al., 2022; ; ). Moreover, in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, altered AMPAR trafficking and synaptic localization contribute to early synaptic failure and cognitive decline, often preceding neuronal loss (Zhang et al., 2022; ). As research continues to uncover the complex modulation of AMPARs across developmental, physiological, and pathological states, they remain a focal point in efforts to elucidate and correct the molecular basis of cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions. In this review, we will track a brief recap of the AMPA subtype of glutamatergic receptors, their implication in health and diseases, and current challenges and advances that allow us to dissect the roles of these molecules from the perspectives of synapses and synaptic organization.
Glutamate in the brain and its function
L-glu is the major excitatory neurotransmitter involved in functions such as learning and memory, long-term potentiation, and synaptic plasticity (Zhou and Danbolt, 2014; Tapiero et al., 2002; Petroff, 2002; McKenna, 2007; ; ). A kilogram of brain tissue contains 5–15 mmol L-glu, depending on the region, which far exceeds concentrations of all other amino acids (Schousboe, 1981). Neurons also show very high activity when it comes to L-glu uptake (Stern et al., 1949). L-glu's excitatory effect was later discovered as well (; , ). L-glu release from pre-synaptic vesicles occurs via Ca2+-dependent exocytosis triggered by voltage-gated calcium channels (Meldrum, 2000; ). With vesicular L-glu concentrations reaching ~100 mM, the release of a single vesicle generates an excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP) (Meldrum, 2000). Virtually all nervous system cells express at least one glutamate receptor subtype (Vernadakis, 1996; Shelton and McCarthy, 1999; ). Studies involving Glutamate receptor-mediated mechanisms have not only led to the development of treatments for Glutamate-related neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis, but also a basic understanding of synapses and how the brain controls structure-function relationship from molecular, and cellular levels that have repercussions in cognitive processes (Pizzi et al., 2005).
Glutamate receptors
Glutamate receptors comprise two structurally distinct families of transmembrane proteins: iGluR and mGluRs (Watkins and Evans, 1981; ). IGluR facilitate rapid synaptic signaling. Structurally, iGluRs function as tetrameric ligand-gated ion channels with distinct pharmacological profiles and electrophysiological characteristics (Traynelis et al., 2010). Excessive or prolonged activation of iGluRs and other post-synaptic signaling components can induce excitotoxicity, a process strongly linked to neurodegenerative diseases and nervous system injuries (; ; ). mGluRs, in contrast, are G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that activate downstream signaling cascades or modulate cation influx upon L-glu binding, regulating synaptic efficacy and plasticity (; Tikhonov and Magazanik, 2009). These receptors are widely distributed in the central and peripheral nervous systems and have been implicated in maintaining homeostasis across multiple organ systems (Niswender and Conn, 2010; ).
Extensive pharmacological research conducted between 1980 and 2000 established the canonical classification system for iGluRs, dividing them into three distinct functional categories: (1) AMPA-sensitive receptors, activated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-propionic acid (GluA1-GluA4), (2) kainate-sensitive receptors, activated by kainic acid (GluK1-GluK5), (3) NMDA-sensitive receptors, activated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (GluN1, GluN2A-D, GluN3A-B), and the orphan glutamate receptors (4) (GluD1 and GluD2) that formed a separate phylogenetic cluster classified as Delta receptors due to their unique sequence features and lack of known agonists, bringing the total to four major groups (Watkins and Evans, 1981; Yamazaki et al., 1992; Watkins et al., 1990; Stevens, 1986; Simon et al., 1976; Nowak et al., 1984; Lomeli et al., 1993; ; ) (Figure 1).
Figure 1
As mentioned above, excitatory post-synaptic currents were initially categorized according to their kinetic and pharmacological properties, distinguishing between currents mediated by AMPA-, kainate-, and NMDA-type glutamate receptors (Watkins and Evans, 1981). However, there was a major drawback to this method of classifying glutamate receptors. There are subunits classified under glutamate receptors that do not bind glutamate. Subunits GluN3A and GluN3B of the NMDA family do not bind L-glu, and NMDA receptors consisting of them are insensitive to glutamate and instead bind glycine to form excitatory glycinergic receptors (Yao et al., 2008; Ulbrich and Isacoff, 2008;
The classes have different electrophysiological characteristics as well. AMPARs display rapid desensitization kinetics, while kainate receptors undergo more prolonged desensitization (Mosbacher et al., 1994;
Ionotropic glutamate receptors: structure, function, and assembly
The molecular architecture of iGluR subunits consists of four distinct structural domains: (1) an extracellular N-terminal/amino-terminal domain (NTD/ATD), (2) an extracellular ligand-binding/agonist-binding domain (LBD/ABD), (3) a transmembrane domain (TMD), and (4) an intracellular carboxyl-terminal domain (CTD) (Sobolevsky et al., 2009;
Figure 2

General architecture of iGluRs. (a) Cartoon depicting general iGluR architecture with the domains NTD, LBD, and TMD. (b) Subunit polypeptide chain linear representation. (c) 3D structure of GluA2 homomer [PDB ID: 3KG2, (Sobolevsky et al., 2009)] with the different subunits marked. (d) The NTD, viewed from the outside of the cell toward the cytosol. (e) The TMD, viewed from the cytosol toward the exterior of the cell, with the channel pore visible.
iGluRs function as tetrameric assemblies (Sobolevsky et al., 2009;
Metabotropic glutamate receptors
Eight members of the G-protein-coupled mGluR family have been identified to date, namely mGluR1–8. Based on pharmacological properties, second messenger coupling, and sequence homology, mGluRs are classified into three groups: Group I (mGluR1 and mGluR5), Group II (mGluR2 and mGluR3), and Group III (mGluR4, mGluR6, mGluR7, and mGluR8) (Yin et al., 2014;
Group I mGluRs typically couple to Gq/G11 to activate phospholipase Cβ, triggering phosphoinositide hydrolysis that results in the formation of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). This canonical pathway causes the release of intracellular calcium from the ER and activates protein kinase C (PKC). An increase in intracellular calcium also induces inhibitory post-synaptic potentials (IPSPs) via Ca2+-activated K? conductance (
Structurally, mGluRs are dimeric and possess an extensive extracellular N-terminal region known as the Venus flytrap domain (VFD). This structural element harbors the L-glu binding pocket and plays an essential role in both homomer and heterodimer formation among these receptors (Pin et al., 2003; Muto et al., 2007;
Figure 3

General architecture of mGluRs. (a) Cartoon depicting general mGluR architecture with the VFD, CRD, and the seven-transmembrane domain. (b) Subunit polypeptide chain linear representation. (c) 3D structure of mGluR2 homomer (PDB ID:7MTQ, Seven et al., 2021) with the different subunits marked. (d) The NTD/VMD, viewed from the outside of the cell toward the cytosol. (e) The seven-transmembrane domain, viewed from the cytosol toward the exterior of the cell.
Evolution of glutamate as a major excitatory neurotransmitter
The seminal work of Curtis, Phillis, and Watkins demonstrated L-glu's capacity to induce depolarization in central neurons, establishing its potential as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS (Moroz and Romanova, 2021). Evolutionarily, L-glu, ATP, and nitric oxide (NO) acquired neurotransmitter functions early in cellular evolution, with these signaling roles emerging concurrently in primitive cells (Moroz, 2009;
Structural evolution of iGluRs
Potassium channels likely served as the evolutionary precursors for glutamate receptors, representing a crucial exaptation event. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that potassium channels predate most other ion channel families, evidenced by the remarkable conservation of their transmembrane domains (Yu et al., 2005; Miller, 2000;
Figure 4

Evolution of the vertebrate iGluR through fusion of multiple prokaryotic genes. A LAOBP (lysine-arginine-ornithine-binding periplasmic protein), forming the ligand-binding domain (LBD), fused with a KcsA potassium channel. Separately, a prokaryotic iGluR (GluR0) fused with a LIVBP (leucine-isoleucine-valine-binding periplasmic protein) and acquired sequences encoding the M4 transmembrane segment and C-terminal domain (CTD), ultimately yielding the domain architecture of vertebrate iGluRs. These fusion events may not have occurred in the depicted sequence. The bottom shows the phylogenetic tree of iGluR-containing organisms, with estimated lineage divergence times annotated below.
Eukaryotic iGluRs share an evolutionary lineage with bacterial GluR0-type potassium channels (
The N-terminal domain (NTD) facilitates receptor tetramerization in the ER (Sia et al., 2007) and helps with interactions with N-cadherins, pentraxins, and ephrins (Saglietti et al., 2007; Paoletti et al., 2000). It also provides binding sites for regulatory ions/small molecules (Masuko et al., 1999;
Major base substitutions also exist between humans and chimpanzees, including GluN3A-D71G (loss of myristoylation) and GluN3B-R727H (gain of phosphorylation), both directly affecting synaptic plasticity, LTP, and LTD (
Role in synaptic transmission
Synaptic plasticity is defined by the experience-driven alteration of synaptic transmission efficacy at synapses, which is a fundamental mechanism of neural circuit adaptation and information processing. Synaptic plasticity is of two main types: short-term synaptic plasticity (STP), which lasts for tens to hundreds of milliseconds to several minutes and results in a temporal modification of synaptic efficiency, and LTP, which can have a duration of from minutes to hours, days, or even months. LTD is another form of synaptic plasticity that works antagonistically to LTP, resulting in a progressive weakening of synapses (
This foundation was expanded in the late 1940s by Donald Hebb, who theorized that associative memories emerge through synaptic strengthening when pre-synaptic activity coincides with post-synaptic firing (
The majority of excitatory synapses in the mammalian brain are glutamatergic, where pre-synaptic activity triggers the fusion of glutamate-packed vesicles. The released L-glu diffuses across the ~20 nm synaptic cleft and binds to post-synaptic glutamate receptors (
The discovery of silent synapses fuelled the search for the role of AMPARs in Early LTP. Silent synapses in the CA1 region of the hippocampus are characterized by the absence of detectable excitatory post-synaptic currents (EPSCs) at resting membrane potential, despite receiving pre-synaptic L-glu release. This phenomenon is primarily attributed to synapses containing NMDARs but lacking functional AMPARs under basal conditions. However, these synapses can be functionally “unsilenced” upon post-synaptic depolarisation and induction of NMDA, leading to insertion of AMPARs, which allows previously silent synapses to participate in neuronal communication (Makino and Malinow, 2009; Lledo et al., 1998; Liao et al., 1995;
AMPAR insertion occurs primarily in perisynaptic zones rather than directly at the synaptic site. From these regions, the receptors are incorporated into the membrane and subsequently diffuse laterally to reach synaptic locations (Penn et al., 2017). This mechanism allows for controlled delivery and integration of AMPARs into the post-synaptic density during synaptic plasticity. The GluA1 subunit is especially crucial for the activity-driven insertion of AMPARs during LTP. AMPARs exhibit high mobility, freely diffusing in and out of synapses until being anchored by PDZ domain-containing scaffolding proteins (primarily PSD-95) at the post-synaptic density. This is followed by synaptic entry via lateral diffusion (
Late-LTP involves new protein synthesis, including AMPAR subunits and auxiliary proteins, to sustain this now-established synaptic strengthening. Dendritic spines enlarge, and new synapses form, increasing the number of AMPARs (Penzes et al., 2008; Okuno et al., 2012; Murakoshi et al., 2011). In LTD, AMPARs are internalized via endocytosis, weakening synapses (
LTP and LTD represent Hebbian synaptic plasticity mechanisms that function at single synapses to store particular information. Alternatively, homeostatic plasticity describes neurons' capacity to maintain network stability by globally adjusting synaptic strength upward or downward to prevent either complete silence or excessive activity (Turrigiano et al., 1998; Turrigiano, 2012; Pozo and Goda, 2010). Like Hebbian synaptic plasticity, homeostatic scaling regulates synaptic strength by adjusting AMPAR surface expression. During scaling up, synaptic levels of GluA1-containing AMPARs rise, including both GluA1 homomers and GluA1/GluA2 heteromers (Soares et al., 2013;
Synapses are highly dynamic structures, and AMPARs exhibit continuous movement even in the absence of neuronal activity (Nair et al., 2013;
Moving forward, the review will be focused specifically on AMPARs due to their sheer abundance and importance in excitatory synaptic transmission.
AMPAR
AMPA Glutamate receptors are the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, mediating rapid signaling throughout the brain. AMPAR is composed of four subunits (GluA1-GluA4) and assembles to form tetrameric ion channels with two-fold symmetry. Each of these subunits contributes differently to receptor trafficking, selectivity, and kinetics (Miguez-Cabello et al., 2025). The pore-forming subunits (GluA1-GluA4) of AMPAR are made up of four distinct domains, the extracellular N-terminal domain (NTD) which functions for subunit assembly, synaptic localization, and receptor clustering (Rossmann et al., 2011;
Auxiliary subunits associated with AMPARs
Although the native AMPAR complex is composed of the assembly of four GluA subunits, the functional AMPAR has auxiliary subunits associated with it. Some of the well-studied auxiliary subunits include TARPs (Tomita et al., 2005;
Figure 5

AMPARs auxiliary subunits: (A) TARP has four transmembrane domains, with both N and C-terminal domains facing the cytoplasm. The extracellular domain is composed of β-strands, an extracellular helix, and four flexible loops. (B) GSG1L has four transmembrane domains labeled as TM (1–4). Both the N and C termini of GSG1L face the cytoplasm, with the beta-sheet facing the extracellular space. (C) CNIH's protein has four transmembrane helices, with both N and C-terminal facing the extracellular space. (D) CKAMP has a single transmembrane domain, the N-terminal faces the extracellular space, and the C-terminal faces the cytoplasm. (E) SynDIG4 has a single transmembrane domain and a membrane-associated domain facing the extracellular space.
TARPs
The two most abundant AMPAR auxiliary subunits in the hippocampus, cortex, and striatum are TARPs and CNIHs. Structurally, TARP proteins are claudin-like proteins that were identified as having protein homology to the γ-subunits of voltage-dependent calcium channels (VDCC), which are known to regulate the function of AMPARs in the post-synaptic membrane (Twomey et al., 2019a). Based on the sequence and function, TARPs are classified into three types: Type 1a (γ2, γ3), Type 1b (γ4, γ8), all of which are positive modulators of AMPAR, while Type 2 (γ5, γ7) exhibit distinct and diverse functions. In situ hybridization and western blotting experiments by Tomita et al. (2003) have shown that TARPs show a regional distribution in the brains, the highest level of TARP γ2 occurred in the cerebellum, γ-3 in the cerebral cortex, γ-4 in the olfactory bulb, and γ-8 in the hippocampus (Tomita et al., 2003). The primary point of interaction between AMPAR–TARP is TMD, where auxiliary subunits act as a scaffold around the AMPAR (Shaffer et al., 1987). TARPs subunits are known to regulate various properties of AMPAR, such as mean channel conductance, channel kinetics (Shaffer et al., 1987; Priel et al., 2005), polyamine sensitivity (Soto et al., 2007), opening probability (Priel et al., 2005), localization, and trafficking of AMPAR to PSD95 (
The assembly of AMPARs begins in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), where GluA subunits first form homo or hetero dimers to form tetramers. Experimental evidence from
Stargazin was first discovered in 1990 in A/J inbred mice line at the Jackson Laboratory. Mice homozygous for the autosomal recessive mutant form of the Cacng2 gene in chromosome 15 displayed a distinct clinical behavior of frequently looking upward, so the researchers named the mutation “stargazer” (Noebels et al., 1990). The ectodomain of Stargazin is known to influence the gating of AMPAR, thus shaping the post-synaptic current. To quantify the glutamate-evoked current in the presence of Stargazin, Tomita et al. (2005) injected varying amounts of Stargazin and GluA1 in oocytes and measured glutamate-evoked currents. They found that GluA1, which shows no detectable current on its own, produces nearly maximal current when co-expressed with stargazin. Furthermore, they investigated whether stargazin influences both receptor trafficking and channel properties. To quantify the surface expression of GluA1, they tagged the hemagglutinin (HA) epitope into the extracellular region of GluA1. They observed that when oocytes were injected with 2, 1, or 0.1 ng of GluA1 cRNA, both the amount of GluA1 on the cell surface and the currents triggered by L-glu were reduced, while co-injection of stargazin cRNA with 0.1 ng GluA1 significantly enhanced glutamate-evoked currents. Notably, the increase in current was substantially greater than the increase in GluA1 surface expression, suggesting that stargazin enhances GluA1 function through a mechanism that is not solely dependent on receptor trafficking (Tomita et al., 2005).
Structurally, TARPs are composed of four transmembrane domains (TM1-TM4), with an intracellular N-terminal domain (NTD) preceding TM1. The extracellular domain is composed of β-strands, an extracellular helix, four flexible loops, and an intracellular C-terminal Domain (CTD), as shown in Figure 5. The TM3 and TM4 domain of TARPs directly interacts with M1 and M4 of adjacent AMPAR subunits (Twomey et al., 2016). As described earlier, AMPAR has a twofold symmetry which gives rise to two distinct TARP binding sites referred to as A'/C' and B'/D' sites (Zhao et al., 2016). This site has no relation to the A/C and B/D subunit positions defined within the AMPAR tetramer. The A'/C' binding sites are located beneath the ABD dimers and are more sterically constrained compared to the B'/D' binding sites, which are located below the ABD dimers. As a result, the specific binding position of TARPs within the AMPAR complex may influence how they modulate receptor function (
TARPs act as a positive modulator of synaptic transmission; they act by slowing the desensitization and deactivation kinetics of AMPARs. The residues in the lower lobe of the AMPAR ABD are found to be critical for γ-2 mediated gating modulation and are hypothesized to interact with the extracellular domain of TARPs, slowing desensitization kinetics of GluA2 AMPARs (Twomey et al., 2019b). In type I TARPs, the residues within the β1–β2 loop of the extracellular domain are also responsible for slowing receptor desensitization (
Germ cell-specific gene 1-like (GSG1L) protein
GSG1L is another widely studied auxiliary subunit known to interact with GluA1 and GluA2 subunits of AMPAR (
Cornichon (CNIHs)
Proteomic analyses have identified four cornichon family proteins (CNIH1-4 4); however, only CNIH2 and CNIH3 have been shown to associate with AMPAR (AMPAR) subunits (Schwenk et al., 2009).
Cystine-knot AMPA receptor-modulating proteins (CKAMPs)
CKAMPs constitute a family of four proteins, namely CKAMP39 (shisa8), CKAMP44 (shisa9), CKAMP52 (shisa6), and CKAMP59 (shisa7). Structurally, they are classified as type I transmembrane proteins, with the cysteine-rich N-terminal domain oriented toward the extracellular space and the C-terminal domain, with a PDZ type II binding motif, facing the cytoplasm. The extracellular cysteine-rich domain and short stretch of 20 amino acids immediately downstream of the transmembrane domain is known to interact and modulate AMPARs (
Synapse differentiation-induced gene 4 (SynDIG4)/Prrt1
SynDIG4/Prrt1 is a type II transmembrane protein that is known to colocalize with AMPARs GluA1 subunit at synapses and extrasynaptic sites, modulating the AMPARs' activity. Prrt1 was initially identified as a key gene involved in synapse differentiation (
Disease associated with AMPAR complexes
Auxiliary subunits of AMPAR are known to interact directly or indirectly with AMPAR subunits and several synaptic molecules that modulate receptor trafficking, localization, and gating kinetics; their dysregulation has been directly linked to the pathology of various neurological disorders.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that leads to the degeneration of motor neurons projecting from the motor cortex, brainstem, and the spinal cord. Several studies have suggested that AMPARs play a major role in slow and selective neurodegeneration of motor neurons as seen in ALS. To date, riluzole—a glutamate-modulating drug with anti-excitotoxic effects—remains the only therapy shown to slow ALS progression and prolong survival by roughly 2–3 months (
Alzheimer's disease (AD)
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that predominantly impairs memory and cognitive function. The pathological hallmarks of AD include the accumulation of extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and the formation of intracellular neurofibrillary tangles composed of hyperphosphorylated tau protein (
Epilepsy
Epilepsy ranks among the most prevalent neurological disorders worldwide. The characteristic features of Epilepsy include recurrent, unprovoked seizures resulting from brief, abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain that alter behavior, consciousness, cognition, and/or movement. These episodes reflect a temporary disruption of the brain's excitatory-inhibitory balance, detectable through EEG monitoring. (Milligan, 2021). Elevated levels of extracellular L-glu concentrations have been seen in epilepsy patients (Sarlo and Holton, 2021). Evidence shows that AMPAR antagonists effectively suppress seizures, indicating an important role of glutamatergic signaling in epilepsy pathogenesis (
Limbic encephalitis and Rasmussen's encephalitis
Limbic encephalitis involves autoimmune-mediated inflammation targeting the limbic system and other brain regions. Some limbic encephalitis patients harbor autoantibodies against GluA1, GluA2, or GluA1/GluA2 subunits. These autoantibodies target the N-terminal (NTD) and ligand-binding (ABD) domains of GluA1/2 without binding specific epitopes (
Anti-GluA3 autoantibodies were initially identified in a Rasmussen's encephalitis patient (Rogers et al., 1994), a severe pediatric condition characterized by seizures, hemiparesis, motor deficits, and cognitive decline (
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder affecting people's ability to communicate, interact, and learn. Genes implicated in ASD are often involved in fundamental cellular pathways, including protein synthesis, cell proliferation, and synaptic function, highlighting the molecular complexity underlying the pathophysiology of ASD (Ozonoff et al., 2005; Lin et al., 2016;
The causes of ASD consist of a wide range of contributing factors, such as de-novo mutations and microdeletions of GRIA2 gene (Rylaarsdam and Guemez-Gamboa, 2019; Salpietro et al., 2019); environmental and acquired influences during the pre-, peri-, and postnatal periods (Wang C. et al., 2017); and the polygenic co-inheritance of, asymptomatic haplotypes or polymorphisms that may converge to disrupt neural circuit homeostasis (Rubenstein and Merzenich, 2003). Among these are the structural components critical to synaptic integrity and brain circuit function. Particularly those involving AMPAR-mediated neurotransmission. Some pathways demonstrate selective enrichment in cerebro-cerebellar regions, hinting at their role in ASD (
Perspectives
Glutamatergic receptors, particularly AMPARs, constitute one of the most critical molecular families in the central nervous system. Their biophysical properties, subunit composition, interaction partners, and membrane dynamics exert a direct influence on synaptic function, plasticity, and the pathophysiology of numerous brain-related disorders. Changes in AMPAR expression, trafficking, and clustering are increasingly recognized as molecular hallmarks of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases. Over the past three decades, a substantial body of knowledge has accumulated regarding the molecular composition and biochemical behavior of AMPARs. These studies have identified a range of endogenous ligands, mapped their expression profiles across brain regions, and explored their interaction networks through genomic, proteomic, and biochemical paradigms. Classical structural and biophysical approaches, including crystallography, electrophysiology, and fluorescence-based imaging, have offered deep insight into AMPAR function at synaptic membranes. However, recent studies are revealing a new layer of complexity, with a growing emphasis on the spatial distribution of AMPARs within sub-synaptic and extrasynaptic domains, their dynamic trafficking kinetics, and the emergent principles of allosteric gating.
One emerging theme is the spatial regulation of AMPAR clustering at nanodomains, which modulates both the amplitude and frequency of excitatory post-synaptic currents. Subsynaptic organization is now known to be governed by multiple mechanisms, including activity-dependent anchoring, scaffolding interactions, and homeostatic scaling. These processes are not merely passive; they exert non-linear effects on receptor gating, ligand binding, and signal integration. For instance, changes in receptor density and localization in nanodomains influence ligand binding kinetics, desensitization rates, and synaptic current summation, collectively reshaping synaptic strength and plasticity. Understanding this spatial and kinetic heterogeneity is increasingly important for future therapeutic targeting. The complexity of AMPAR function cannot be captured by traditional pharmacology alone. Future strategies will likely require multi-pronged approaches that integrate molecular modeling, AI-guided drug discovery, and high-throughput screening platforms. These methods can be informed by detailed structural insights from cryo-electron microscopy and super-resolution imaging and validated using patch-clamp electrophysiology and optogenetic assays in physiologically relevant models.
The mounting evidence points to AMPARs as early molecular transducers of activity-dependent synaptic changes. As such, they represent promising targets for therapeutic modulation in early-stage cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease. One forward-looking direction involves engineering synthetic ligands that can selectively modulate AMPAR activity in a brain region-specific manner, effectively designing chemical switches to silence or activate particular excitatory circuits. Additionally, advances in genome editing technologies such as CRISPR-Cas9 have opened new possibilities to modify AMPAR genes in the adult brain with cell-type and region-specific precision. This raises the exciting potential for molecular engineering of customized receptor variants that could restore or tune synaptic function in disease contexts. By combining synthetic biology, structural pharmacology, and next-generation imaging and editing tools, the next decade may offer transformative strategies for regulating AMPAR activity with unprecedented precision and efficacy in the context of brain disorders.
Statements
Author contributions
FF: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft. DC: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft. DN: Writing – review & editing, Writing – original draft.
Funding
The author(s) declare that financial support was received for the research and/or publication of this article. FF and DC acknowledge funding from Indian Institute of Science through Ministry of Education, India and Council of Scientific and industrial Research India, respectively. DN acknowledges the senior research grant from DBT Wellcome Trust India Alliance (IA/S/23/2/507005) and Cores Research grant from Anusandhan National Research Foundation (CRG/2022/002726) and Intramural support from IISc.
Acknowledgments
Figures were created in BioRender by Nair (2025).
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
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Summary
Keywords
iGluRs, AMPA receptor (AMPAR), synaptic plasticity, TARP, neurodegenerative diseases, neurodegeneration
Citation
Francis F, Chettri D and Nair D (2025) AMPA receptors in the evolving synapse: structure, function, and disease implications. Front. Synaptic Neurosci. 17:1661342. doi: 10.3389/fnsyn.2025.1661342
Received
07 July 2025
Accepted
01 September 2025
Published
10 October 2025
Volume
17 - 2025
Edited by
Rajkumar Vutukuri, University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany
Reviewed by
Federico Javier Miguez Cabello, McGill University, Canada
Anil Annamneedi, Sai University, India
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© 2025 Francis, Chettri and Nair.
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*Correspondence: Deepak Nair deepak@iisc.ac.in
†These authors have contributed equally to this work
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