α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors adopt different subunit arrangements

Abstract

Background: Recent evidence has suggested that the various ionotropic glutamate receptors are assembled in the same way from their constituent subunits. Results: Atomic force microscopy imaging of antibody-decorated AMPA and NMDA receptors revealed different subunit arrangements. Conclusion: AMPA receptors have an alternating subunit arrangement, whereas NMDA receptors adopt an adjacent arrangement. Significance: Our results necessitate a reassessment of ionotropic glutamate receptor assembly. © 2013 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.