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 Ca v2.1 (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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 5561-5566 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America |
Volume | 103 |
Issue number | 14 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2006 Apr 4 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Glutamate receptor
- Postsynaptic density
- Stargazin
- Synaptic plasticity
- Voltage-activated Ca channel
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General