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Developmental Changes in Ionotropic Glutamate Receptors: Lessons from Hippocampal Synapses

University of Bristol, School of Medical Sciences, University Walk, Bristol

Lisa Pickard

University of Bristol, School of Medical Sciences, University Walk, Bristol

Joshua K. Duckworth

University of Bristol, School of Medical Sciences, University Walk, Bristol

Glutamatergic synapses are the primary source of excitatory transmission in the central nervous system(CNS), and their formation is critical in the establishment of neuronal connections. The refinement of theseconnections occurs during development and also it is postulated during learning and memory. Recentprogress in understanding the molecular components of synaptic junctions, together with advances inimaging techniques, has started to offer new insights into the development of excitatory synapses. Studiesperformed on low-density primary neuronal cultures have enabled dissection of the temporal sequence ofevents, which have lead to the differentiation of pre- and postsynaptic components. A central feature of thedevelopment of excitatory synapses is the accumulation of glutamatergic receptors (GluRs) at the postsynapticsite. These receptors need to be localized and fixed opposite nerve terminals that release glutamate.But for this to occur, neurons require intracellular anchoring molecules, as well as mechanisms that ensurethe efficient turnover and transport of receptor proteins. This review focuses on some of the developmentalchanges observed in the subcellular distribution and molecular organization of AMPA and NMDA typeionotropic GluRs (iGluRs), which mediate the majority of fast excitatory neurotransmission in the CNS.

Key Words: glutamate • development • synapse • AMPA • NMDA • hippocampal neurons

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