Participation of Ca2+-Permeable AMPA Receptors in Synaptic Plasticity

AMPA receptors are the key molecules of excitatory and inhibitory synapses and are involved in synaptic plasticity. Cognitive functions of the brain such as signal perception, processing and analysis of information, memory, storage and exchange of information are reduced when the processes controlling the assembly of AMPA receptors, membrane trafficking and synapse-specific expression are impaired. The content of the receptors in synapses is regulated by exocytosis, endocytosis, and receptor recycling. Auxiliary subunits and partners modulate the function of AMPA receptors. Ca2+-permeable AMPA receptors (CP-AMPAR) not containing the GluA2 subunit are involved in multiple forms of the synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation and depression, and play an important role in maintaining the correct balance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. The activation of CP-AMPAR in neurons provides a fast postsynaptic Ca2+ entry, which triggers the processes modifying synaptic functions through the interaction with other Ca2+-transporting systems. The purpose of this review is to draw the attention of researchers to recent advances in the participation of CP-AMPA receptors in synaptic plasticity.