AMPARs are excitatory glutamate receptors that mediate the fast synaptic transmission.AMPARs are homo- or hetero-tetramers composed of selective combinations of four subunits: GluR1, GluR2, GluR3 and GluR4. AMPARs containing GluR2 are mainly in the central nervous system and are Ca2+ impermeable. MPARs-lacking GluR2 are Ca2+ permeable, and GluR2-lacking AMPARs are confined to certain neurons or certain physiological or pathological conditions. Recent research showed that GluR2-lacking AMPARs play special roles in the synaptic function and plasticity and transduction of local signal transduction. This paper reviews the GluR2-lacking AMPARs and their roles in the synaptic function and plasticity.