AMPA receptors commandeer an ancient cargo exporter for use as an auxiliary subunit for signaling.

Fast excitatory neurotransmission in the mammalian central nervous system is mainly mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors of the AMPA subtype (AMPARs). AMPARs are protein complexes of the pore-lining α-subunits GluA1-4 and auxiliary β-subunits modulating their trafficking and gating. By a proteomic approach, two homologues of the cargo exporter cornichon, CNIH-2 and CNIH-3, have recently been identified as constituents of native AMPARs in mammalian brain.

Microneurographic identification of spontaneous activity in C-nociceptors in neuropathic pain states in humans and rats.

C-nociceptors do not normally fire action potentials unless challenged by adequate noxious stimuli. However, in pathological states nociceptors may become hyperexcitable and may generate spontaneous ectopic discharges. The aim of this study was to compare rat neuropathic pain models and to assess their suitability to model the spontaneous C-nociceptor activity found in neuropathic pain patients.

TRESK channel contribution to nociceptive sensory neurons excitability: modulation by nerve injury.

Background: Neuronal hyperexcitability is a crucial phenomenon underlying spontaneous and evoked pain. In invertebrate nociceptors, the S-type leak K(+) channel (analogous to TREK-1 in mammals) plays a critical role of in determining neuronal excitability following nerve injury. Few data are available on the role of leak K(2P) channels after peripheral axotomy in mammals.

Stargazin modulates AMPA receptor antagonism.

AMPA receptors mediate the majority of fast synaptic transmission and underlie several forms of synaptic plasticity. AMPARs also have an important role in several neuronal pathologies. Therefore, studying the structure and function of these receptors is important for understanding general mechanisms of synaptic transmission as well as for the development of new therapies.