Structural and functional insights into transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory protein complexes

In this review, we discuss recent advances in structural and functional work on AMPAR–TARP complexes. We describe the architecture of AMPARs and how TARPs assemble around them. We compare sequences of claudins and claudin-fold TARPs and discuss how, based on recent structural, biochemical, and biophysical studies, the auxiliary subunits with common topology can exert a multitude of regulatory effects depending on specific features of protein binding interfaces and loop regions. Finally, we speculate on future directions of the field and how exploration of the diverse array of AMPAR regulatory subunits will resolve the fine tuning of AMPAR function throughout the CNS.