Alpha5 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Alpha5 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor[edit | edit source]
The Alpha5 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (α5 nAChR) is a subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are a type of ligand-gated ion channel found in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. These receptors are activated by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine as well as by nicotine, which is why they are referred to as "nicotinic" receptors.
Structure[edit | edit source]
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are pentameric, meaning they are composed of five subunits. The α5 subunit is one of the many subunits that can be part of these receptors. It is encoded by the CHRNA5 gene in humans. The α5 subunit does not form functional receptors on its own but can combine with other subunits, such as α4 and β2, to form heteromeric receptors with distinct properties.
Function[edit | edit source]
The α5 subunit is known to modulate the function of nicotinic receptors. When included in a receptor complex, it can alter the receptor's ion permeability, desensitization kinetics, and pharmacological properties. The presence of the α5 subunit is associated with increased calcium permeability and altered sensitivity to nicotine.
Role in Health and Disease[edit | edit source]
The α5 nAChR has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric conditions. Genetic variations in the CHRNA5 gene have been associated with an increased risk of nicotine addiction, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Studies suggest that the α5 subunit plays a role in the reinforcing effects of nicotine, making it a target of interest for smoking cessation therapies.
Research and Therapeutic Potential[edit | edit source]
Research into the α5 nAChR is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in addiction, cognitive function, and neurodegenerative diseases. Understanding how the α5 subunit influences receptor function could lead to the development of new therapeutic agents for treating nicotine addiction and other disorders.
Also see[edit | edit source]
- Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
- Acetylcholine
- Ligand-gated ion channel
- Nicotine addiction
- CHRNA5 gene
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