Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M5

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M5 (also known as M5 receptor or mAChR M5) is a type of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, a family of G protein-coupled receptors that are targeted by acetylcholine. The M5 receptor is less well-studied than other members of the muscarinic receptor family, but it is known to play important roles in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The M5 receptor, like all muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, is a G protein-coupled receptor. This means it has seven transmembrane domains, an extracellular N-terminus, and an intracellular C-terminus. The receptor is encoded by the CHRM5 gene.

Function[edit | edit source]

The M5 receptor is expressed in various parts of the body, including the brain, lung, and vascular endothelial cells. In the brain, it is involved in the modulation of dopamine release, which is important for functions such as motor control, reward, and reinforcement. In the lungs, the M5 receptor mediates bronchoconstriction and mucus secretion, which are key aspects of the body's response to respiratory pathogens. In vascular endothelial cells, the M5 receptor is involved in the regulation of vasodilation.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Given its role in dopamine release, the M5 receptor has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. However, the exact role of the M5 receptor in these conditions is still not fully understood, and more research is needed to elucidate its potential as a therapeutic target.