AMPA RECEPTOR Meaning and
Definition
-
AMPA receptors, short for α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors, are a type of ionotropic glutamate receptor found in the central nervous system (CNS) of mammals, including humans. These receptors are integral in mediating fast excitatory neurotransmission, playing a crucial role in cognitive processes such as learning and memory.
AMPA receptors are composed of four subunits, namely GluA1-4, which combine to form a tetrameric protein complex. Each subunit consists of an extracellular N-terminal domain, a transmembrane domain composed of four segments (S1-S4), an extracellular loop, and an intracellular C-terminal domain. These receptors are primarily permeable to sodium (Na+) and potassium (K+) ions, which enables the depolarization and subsequent excitation of the postsynaptic neuron.
Upon binding with the neurotransmitter glutamate, AMPA receptors undergo conformational changes that result in the removal of the magnesium (Mg2+) ion block from the receptor's ion channel. This allows the influx of sodium and potassium ions, which depolarizes the postsynaptic membrane, generating an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP).
The activation of AMPA receptors initiates an electrical signal that propagates the neurotransmission process, contributing to the rapid, transient synaptic responses characteristic of most excitatory synapses in the CNS. They are responsible for the majority of the fast synaptic signaling in the brain and are vital in the regulation of synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, and numerous other physiological processes. Dysfunction of AMPA receptors has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, highlighting the significance of understanding their structure and function for the development of targeted therapeutic interventions.
Common Misspellings for AMPA RECEPTOR
- zmpa receptor
- smpa receptor
- wmpa receptor
- qmpa receptor
- anpa receptor
- akpa receptor
- ajpa receptor
- amoa receptor
- amla receptor
- am-a receptor
- am0a receptor
- ampz receptor
- amps receptor
- ampw receptor
- ampq receptor
- ampa eeceptor
- ampa deceptor
- ampa feceptor
- ampa teceptor
- ampa 5eceptor
Etymology of AMPA RECEPTOR
The term "AMPA receptor" is derived from the chemical compound alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and the word "receptor".
The name "AMPA" comes from the chemical structure of this compound, which is a derivative of isoxazole and acts as an analog of glutamate, an important neurotransmitter in the brain. The compound was initially synthesized and studied in the field of medicinal chemistry before its function as a neurotransmitter receptor was discovered.
The term "receptor" refers to a protein molecule or complex that recognizes and binds to specific molecules called ligands, such as neurotransmitters, hormones, or drugs. In the case of AMPA receptor, it specifically binds to the neurotransmitter glutamate, playing a vital role in the fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
