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Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptors M1-M5 (mAChRs)

Target: mAChRs
Molecular classification: G protein-coupled receptor, Receptor

Overview

The muscarinic acetylcholine receptor family comprises five GPCRs mediating diverse cholinergic actions throughout body tissues. Each subtype exhibits unique distribution patterns and signal transduction mechanisms that underpin their varied physiological functions—from cognition and memory formation by central mAChRs like M1/M4/M5 to parasympathetic control over organs by peripheral mAChRs like M2/M3. Advances in structural biology now enable rational design of highly selective ligands aimed at individual muscarinic targets.

Other names: Cholinergic muscarinic receptorsM1 receptorM2 receptorM3 receptorM4 receptorM5 receptorCHRM1CHRM2CHRM3CHRM4CHRM5

Mechanism of action

Agonism or antagonism of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

Biological functions

Signal transductionNeuromodulationAutonomic nervous system regulationCognitionMotor controlParasympathetic nervous system activity regulation

Disease associations

Alzheimer's diseaseCognitive disordersOveractive bladderBradycardiaDrug addictionDelirium

Safety considerations

Anticholinergic side effects (e.g., dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention)Central nervous system effects (e.g., confusion, delirium, hallucinations)Cardiac effects (e.g., arrhythmias)Risk of falls in elderly patients

Interacting drugs

Acetylcholine

5 more in the full profile.

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