Single-Molecule Imaging Reveals Rapid Estradiol Action on the Surface Movement of AMPA Receptors in Live Neurons

Gonadal steroid 17?-estradiol (E2) exerts rapid, non-genomic effects on neurons and strictly regulates learning memory through altering glutamatergic neurotransmission synaptic plasticity. However, its AMPARs are not well understood. Here, we analyzed the rapid effect of E2 using single-molecule tracking super-resolution imaging techniques. We found that rapidly decreased surface movement AMPAR via membrane G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) in neurites a dose-dependent manner. The cortical actin network played pivotal role GPER1 mediated mobility AMPAR. also both extrasynaptic regions increased dwell time AMPARs. Our results provide evidence for understanding action neuronal plasticity at molecular level.