Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor (Central) (mAChR (Central))

Central muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are a family of five G protein-coupled receptors (M1-M5) that mediate the actions of acetylcholine in the central nervous system. They play critical roles in modulating neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and various cognitive functions such as learning, memory, attention, and sleep-wake cycles. These receptors are implicated in various neurological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, movement disorders and addiction, making them important therapeutic targets.

Other names

Central Muscarinic ReceptormAChRMuscarinic Receptor (Central)Cholinergic Receptor, Muscarinic (Central)

Agonists stimulate or antagonists block the receptor, modulating downstream signaling pathways such as Gq/11 (increased intracellular calcium) and Gi/o (decreased cAMP).