cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 4 subunit
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The CHRNA4 gene provides instructions for making one part (subunit) of a larger protein complex called a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Each nAChR complex is made up of a combination of five subunits, usually two alpha (α) and three beta (β) subunits. Many different combinations are possible; the characteristics of each nAChR complex depend on its specific subunits. In the brain, the complex most commonly consists of two α4 subunits and three β2 subunits. The CHRNA4 gene is responsible for producing the α4 subunit.
Normal function
The CHRNA4 gene provides instructions for making one part (subunit) of a larger protein complex called a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR). Each nAChR complex is made up of a combination of five subunits, usually two alpha (α) and three beta (β) subunits. Many different combinations are possible; the characteristics of each nAChR complex depend on its specific subunits. In the brain, the complex most commonly consists of two α4 subunits and three β2 subunits. The CHRNA4 gene is responsible for producing the α4 subunit.
In the brain, the nAChR complex plays an important role in chemical signaling between nerve cells (neurons). The nAChR acts as a channel, allowing charged atoms (ions), including calcium, sodium, and potassium, to cross the cell membrane. These channels open when they attach to a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) called acetylcholine. The channels also open in response to nicotine, the addictive substance in tobacco. As these channels open, the increased flow of ions across the cell membrane alters the release of neurotransmitters.
Communication between neurons depends on neurotransmitters. The release and uptake of these chemicals are tightly regulated to ensure that signals are passed efficiently and accurately between neurons. Researchers believe that nAChR channels play an important role in controlling the normal release and uptake of neurotransmitters.
A wide range of brain functions depend on nAChR channels, including sleep and arousal, fatigue, anxiety, attention, pain perception, and memory. The channels are also active before birth, which suggests that they are involved in early brain development.
Conditions referring to this gene or chromosome
Otros nombres
acetylcholine receptor, neuronal nicotonic, alpha-4 subunit
acetylcholine receptor, nicotinic, alpha 4 (neuronal)
BFNC
cholinergic receptor, neuronal nicotinic, alpha polypeptide 4
cholinergic receptor, nicotinic alpha 4
cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, alpha 4 (neuronal)
EBN
EBN1
NACHR
NACHRA4
NACRA4
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Lecturas adicionales y referencias
- cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 4 subunit; MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.
- Arneric SP, Holladay M, Williams M. Neuronal nicotinic receptors: a perspective on two decades of drug discovery research. Biochem Pharmacol. 2007 Oct 15;74(8):1092-101. doi: 10.1016/j.bcp.2007.06.033. Epub 2007 Jun 26.
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14 Ago 2025 | Última versión
1 de agosto de 2025 | Publicado originalmente
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