Molecular Classification
Ionotropic receptor, Ligand-gated ion channel, Metabotropic receptor, G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR)
Other Names
AChRs
Disease Roles
Acetylcholine receptors Overview
Acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are integral membrane proteins that respond to the binding of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. They play crucial roles in neurotransmission throughout the nervous system. They are classified into two major types: nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are ionotropic receptors functioning as ligand-gated ion channels, and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs), which are metabotropic receptors belonging to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. AChRs mediate the effects of acetylcholine throughout the nervous system and in non-nervous tissues and are considered important therapeutic targets in various neurological and neuromuscular conditions.
Mechanism of Action
Biological Functions
Neurotransmission
Responding to acetylcholine binding
Mediating effects of acetylcholine
Function in nervous system
Function in non-nervous tissues innervated by parasympathetic nervous system
Disease Associations
Therapeutic target in neurological conditions
Therapeutic target in neuromuscular conditions
Safety Considerations
No safety concerns listed