Ionotropic Glutamate Receptor Technologies
Functional AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are tetrameric complexes formed by four identical (homomeric) or similar (heteromeric) subunits. Variations in the number and composition of AMPARs on the plasma membrane impact synaptic strength, neurodevelopment, and brain disorders. While the mechanisms mediating oligomerization of AMPARs are not well understood, they form the template for defining the number and preferential assembly of AMPARs. In this chapter we describe the application of two methods, blue native PAGE (BN PAGE) and fluorescence detection size exclusion chromatography (FSEC) to delineate the oligomeric state of AMPAR complexes and factors that determine the oligomerization process.
Neuromethods