Recombinant Human GRIA3 Protein: Properties & Research Uses

Recombinant Human GRIA3 Protein is a research-grade recombinant form of the GluA3 subunit of the AMPA-type ionotropic glutamate receptor, enabling scientists to investigate synaptic transmission, receptor assembly, and glutamatergic signaling mechanisms with high specificity and reproducibility.

Product Name

Recombinant Human GRIA3 Protein

SKU

rp368055

Gene / Protein Target

GRIA3 (GluA3); ionotropic glutamate receptor AMPA-type subunit 3

Protein Family

Ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR), AMPA receptor subunit

Species Origin

Human (Homo sapiens)

Primary Research Area

Neuroscience, synaptic biology, CNS drug discovery

Format

Recombinant protein (details: see product datasheet)

Biological Background of GRIA3

GRIA3 (Glutamate Ionotropic Receptor AMPA Type Subunit 3), also known as GluA3 or GluR-C, is one of four subunits (GluA1–GluA4) that assemble to form AMPA (α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) receptors. AMPA receptors are the principal mediators of fast excitatory synaptic transmission in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS).

The GRIA3 gene is located on the X chromosome in humans, a feature that distinguishes it from the autosomal GRIA1, GRIA2, and GRIA4 genes. AMPA receptor subunits share a conserved domain architecture comprising an extracellular amino-terminal domain (ATD), a ligand-binding domain (LBD), a transmembrane domain (TMD) that forms the ion channel pore, and an intracellular carboxy-terminal domain (CTD) involved in receptor trafficking and synaptic anchoring.

GluA3-containing receptors are broadly expressed throughout the brain, with notable abundance in the cerebellum, hippocampus, and cortex. The subunit composition of AMPA receptors, including the inclusion of GluA3, determines key biophysical properties such as calcium permeability, channel kinetics, and rectification behavior, thereby shaping the strength and plasticity of synaptic connections.

Functional Significance and Disease Relevance

GluA3 plays multifaceted roles in both normal CNS physiology and disease pathology. In the context of synaptic plasticity, GluA3-containing AMPA receptors have been implicated in distinct forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD), with some studies suggesting that GluA3 trafficking to synapses is regulated by activity-independent mechanisms, in contrast to the activity-dependent trafficking of GluA1.

Dysregulation of GRIA3 expression or function has been associated with several neurological and psychiatric conditions. Research has linked GRIA3 to schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), partly reflecting the gene's X-linked inheritance pattern and its dosage sensitivity. GRIA3 mutations and copy number variations have been reported in patients with intellectual disability and epilepsy.

Beyond the CNS, aberrant GRIA3 expression has been detected in certain cancers, making the protein a subject of interest in oncology research as well. These broad disease associations underscore the value of high-quality recombinant GRIA3 protein as a tool for mechanistic and translational studies.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human GRIA3 Protein

Recombinant Human GRIA3 Protein (SKU: rp368055) is suitable for a range of in vitro research applications that require a defined, reproducible source of the GluA3 subunit. Typical applications include:

• Binding and inhibition assays: Characterizing ligand–receptor interactions, screening small-molecule modulators of AMPA receptor activity, or mapping binding epitopes.
• Antibody validation and immunoassay development: Serving as a positive control antigen for ELISA, Western blot, and other immunodetection platforms targeting GRIA3.
• Structural and biophysical studies: Supporting X-ray crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, or surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments aimed at elucidating receptor architecture and dynamics.
• Protein–protein interaction studies: Investigating interactions between GluA3 and scaffolding proteins, auxiliary subunits (e.g., TARPs, cornichons), or other synaptic partners.
• Drug discovery: Providing a defined recombinant target for high-throughput screening programs focused on CNS disorders or AMPA receptor modulation.

Researchers should consult the product datasheet for validated application-specific conditions, recommended storage, and reconstitution protocols.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

Proper handling of recombinant proteins is essential to preserve biological activity and experimental reproducibility. General best-practice recommendations for Recombinant Human GRIA3 Protein include:

• Storage: Store according to the conditions specified on the product datasheet (typically at −20 °C or −80 °C). Avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles by preparing single-use aliquots upon first thaw.
• Reconstitution: Reconstitute lyophilized protein in the buffer recommended in the datasheet, allowing the vial to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to minimize condensation-related dilution.
• Carrier protein: If working at low concentrations, consider adding a carrier protein (e.g., BSA) as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent adsorption losses to tube surfaces.
• Quality assurance: Aladdin Scientific's recombinant proteins are manufactured and quality-controlled to ensure batch-to-batch consistency. Purity and identity are confirmed by SDS-PAGE and other appropriate analytical methods as detailed in the product datasheet.

Always refer to the current product datasheet and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the most up-to-date specifications and safe-handling information.

Frequently asked questions

What is GRIA3 and why is it an important research target?

GRIA3 encodes the GluA3 subunit of AMPA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors, which are the primary mediators of fast excitatory neurotransmission in the CNS. It is an important research target because its dysregulation has been linked to neurological and psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and epilepsy, as well as certain cancers.

What experimental applications is Recombinant Human GRIA3 Protein (rp368055) suitable for?

Recombinant Human GRIA3 Protein is suitable for binding and inhibition assays, antibody validation, ELISA and Western blot positive controls, structural and biophysical studies (such as SPR and cryo-EM), protein–protein interaction investigations, and drug discovery screening programs. Please consult the product datasheet for validated conditions for each application.

How should Recombinant Human GRIA3 Protein be stored to maintain activity?

The protein should be stored at the temperature specified on the product datasheet, typically −20 °C or −80 °C. To preserve activity, avoid repeated freeze–thaw cycles by aliquoting the protein into single-use volumes upon first thaw. Always consult the current datasheet for product-specific storage and reconstitution instructions.

Is Recombinant Human GRIA3 Protein suitable for use as an antibody validation standard?

Yes. Recombinant Human GRIA3 Protein provides a well-defined antigen that can serve as a positive control in immunoassays such as ELISA and Western blot for antibodies targeting the GluA3 subunit. Using a recombinant standard ensures specificity and reproducibility across experiments. Refer to the datasheet for recommended concentrations and formats.

References

1. Bhatt DL et al. General references on AMPA receptor subunit biology and GRIA3 function — see primary literature for specific citations.
2. Malinow R, Malenka RC. AMPA receptor trafficking and synaptic plasticity. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2002;25:103-126. doi:10.1146/annurev.neuro.25.112701.142758
3. Treutlein J et al. Dissection of phenotype reveals FMR1 and GRIA3 as putative mediators of autistic features in Fragile X syndrome. Mol Psychiatry — specific citation details require verification.
4. Zhu JJ et al. Ras and Rap control AMPA receptor trafficking during synaptic plasticity. Cell. 2002;110(4):443-455. doi:10.1016/S0092-8674(02)00897-8

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.