Primary structure and expression of the gamma 2 subunit of the glutamate receptor channel selective for kainate.

The presence and primary structure of a novel subunit of the mouse glutamate receptor channel, designated as gamma 2, have been revealed by cloning and sequencing the cDNA. The gamma 2 subunit has structural characteristics common to the neurotransmitter-gated ion channel family and shares a high amino acid sequence identity with the rat KA-1 subunit, thus constituting the gamma subfamily of the glutamate receptor channel. Expression of the gamma 2 subunit together with the beta 2 subunit in Xenopus oocytes yields functional glutamate receptor channels selective for kainate.