ATAD1 is an outer mitochondrial translocase essential for the removal of mislocalized tail-anchored transmembrane proteins from mitochondria. It specifically recognizes and binds these proteins, acting as a dislocase to mediate their ATP-dependent extraction from the outer mitochondrial membrane. Furthermore, ATAD1 plays a crucial role in regulating the surface expression of AMPA receptors (AMPARs), thereby influencing synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory. Specifically, it is required for NMDA-stimulated AMPAR internalization and inhibits the recycling of GRIA1 and GRIA2 back to the plasma membrane; these functions are ATPase-dependent.