Ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) are tetrameric ion channels that mediate signal transmission at neuronal synapses, where they contribute centrally to the postsynaptic plasticity that underlies learning and memory. Receptor activation by l-glutamate triggers complex allosteric cascades that are transmitted through the layered and highly flexible receptor assembly culminating in opening a cation-selective pore. This process is shaped by the arrangement of the four core subunits as well as the presence of various auxiliary subunits, and is subject to regulation by an array of small molecule modulators targeting a number of sites throughout the complex. Here, we discuss recent structures of iGluR homomers and heteromers illuminating the organization and subunit arrangement of the core tetramer, co-assembled with auxiliary subunits and in complex with allosteric modulators.

中文翻译：

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谷氨酸受体离子通道的结构生物学：对机理的理解。

离子型谷氨酸受体（iGluRs）是四聚体离子通道，介导神经元突触处的信号传递，在此它们对构成学习和记忆基础的突触后可塑性起重要作用。由l-谷氨酸激活的受体触发了复杂的变构级联反应，该级联反应通过层状且高度柔性的受体组件传递，最终打开了阳离子选择性孔。该过程通过四个核心亚基的排列以及各种辅助亚基的存在而形成，并受到靶向整个复合物中多个位点的一系列小分子调节剂的调控。在这里，我们讨论了iGluR同聚体和异聚体的最新结构，阐明了核心四聚体的组织和亚基排列，