Ionotropic glutamate receptors play numerous roles in physiological functioning of the synapses, as well as in many pathological conditions. A recent understanding that neither of the subclasses of these receptors (NMDA, AMPA or kainate) are static structures in the neuronal membranes has opened a whole new avenue of research that aims to explain how and why these receptors reach the synaptic membrane or leave it.
It is now known that the dynamic equilibrium between insertion and removal of receptors into the synaptic membrane is achieved as a result of regulated processes that ultimately determine both constitutive excitatory synaptic functioning (including its fate, i.e. whether the synaptic contact is preserved or not), as well as changes in synaptic strength (synaptic plasticity and metaplasticity).
As the research in glutamate receptor trafficking accelerates, the number of pathways and interacting partners (sometimes distinct, sometimes overlapping for different receptor subclasses) is rapidly increasing, leading to major paradigm shifts in the field.
Not surprisingly, therefore, disturbances in glutamate receptor trafficking also have serious implications for pathogenesis of neurological diseases.
Thus, the purpose of this issue is to provide the readers with a comprehensive summary of current trafficking models, insight into the latest original advancements pertaining to specific receptor subclasses. Lastly, grant a progress update related to role of receptor trafficking in neurodegenerative disorders. Original papers, review papers and disease-oriented papers are welcome.
Ionotropic glutamate receptors play numerous roles in physiological functioning of the synapses, as well as in many pathological conditions. A recent understanding that neither of the subclasses of these receptors (NMDA, AMPA or kainate) are static structures in the neuronal membranes has opened a whole new avenue of research that aims to explain how and why these receptors reach the synaptic membrane or leave it.
It is now known that the dynamic equilibrium between insertion and removal of receptors into the synaptic membrane is achieved as a result of regulated processes that ultimately determine both constitutive excitatory synaptic functioning (including its fate, i.e. whether the synaptic contact is preserved or not), as well as changes in synaptic strength (synaptic plasticity and metaplasticity).
As the research in glutamate receptor trafficking accelerates, the number of pathways and interacting partners (sometimes distinct, sometimes overlapping for different receptor subclasses) is rapidly increasing, leading to major paradigm shifts in the field.
Not surprisingly, therefore, disturbances in glutamate receptor trafficking also have serious implications for pathogenesis of neurological diseases.
Thus, the purpose of this issue is to provide the readers with a comprehensive summary of current trafficking models, insight into the latest original advancements pertaining to specific receptor subclasses. Lastly, grant a progress update related to role of receptor trafficking in neurodegenerative disorders. Original papers, review papers and disease-oriented papers are welcome.
