Posttranslational regulation of AMPA receptor trafficking and function

In the mammalian central nervous system, the majority of fast excitatory synaptic transmission is mediated by glutamate acting on AMPA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors. The abundance of AMPA receptors at the synapse can be modulated through receptor trafficking, which dynamically regulates many fundamental brain functions, including learning and memory. Reversible posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation, palmitoylation and ubiquitination of AMPA receptor subunits are important regulatory mechanisms for controlling synaptic AMPA receptor expression and function. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the study of AMPA receptor posttranslational modifications and discuss how these modifications regulate AMPA receptor trafficking and function at synapses.

► AMPA receptor phosphorylation regulates receptor trafficking and function. ► AMPA receptor palmitoylation plays differential roles in receptor trafficking. ► AMPA receptor ubiquitination functions in receptor endocytosis and degradation. ► Posttranslational modifications interact with each other to modulate AMPA receptors.