The regulation of AMPA receptor-binding sites

A wide variety of mechanisms have been identified that can regulate the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionate (AMPA)-receptor complex. Modulation has been shown to occur at the nucleic acid level via RNA editing and alternative splicing. At the posttranslational level, processes such as phosphorylation, glycosylation, chemical modification of reactive groups on the receptor proteins, interaction with a putative receptor-associated modulatory protein, and changes in the lipid environment have been reported to regulate receptor binding and function. In this review, we discuss general aspects of the cell biology, pharmacology, and function of AMPA receptors. In particular, we focus on some factors shown to modulate agonist binding and discuss possible molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation observed.