M2 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor (M2 mAChR)

The M2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M2 mAChR), encoded by the CHRM2 gene, is a G protein-coupled receptor primarily responsive to acetylcholine. It is highly expressed in cardiac tissue and plays a central role in mediating parasympathetic nervous system effects on heart function. It is also found in airway smooth muscle and the central nervous system. Activation leads to inhibition of adenylyl cyclase and activation of G-protein-gated potassium channels. It is a key target for drugs treating cardiac arrhythmias/bradycardia, asthma/COPD, and neurological disorders.

Other names

CHRM2Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M2

Agonist or antagonist binding modulates G protein activity, leading to changes in cAMP levels and ion channel conductance. Antagonists block acetylcholine binding and receptor activation.