Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor M3 (M3 mAChR)

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 (M3 mAChR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that mediates smooth muscle contraction throughout the body, stimulates glandular secretion, and regulates insulin secretion. It is an important target for drugs affecting smooth muscle tone or glandular secretions, particularly in the treatment of asthma and COPD.

Other names

CHRM3M3 ReceptorMuscarinic receptor M3

Agonists stimulate M3 mAChR, leading to Gq/11 activation, increased phospholipase C activity, increased IP3 and DAG production, and elevated intracellular calcium levels, resulting in smooth muscle contraction and glandular secretion. Antagonists block M3 mAChR, preventing acetylcholine binding and subsequent downstream signaling, leading to smooth muscle relaxation and reduced glandular secretion.