Neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-2 (CHRNA2) (CHRNA2)

The neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-2 (CHRNA2) is a protein that forms part of the pentameric nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are ligand-gated ion channels in the central nervous system (UniProt: Q15822). These receptors are primarily composed of alpha and beta subunits and facilitate fast synaptic transmission by allowing the influx of cations such as sodium and calcium upon binding with acetylcholine (PubMed: 22539471). CHRNA2-containing receptors are notably expressed in the cerebral cortex and thalamus, where they contribute to the regulation of neuronal excitability and the modulation of sleep-wake cycles (NCBI Gene: 1135). Genetic variations and mutations in the CHRNA2 gene have been associated with Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (ADNFLE) and nicotine dependence, underscoring its clinical relevance (PubMed: 22539471). Pharmacologically, these receptors are sensitive to nicotine and are targeted by various nicotinic agonists and partial agonists used in smoking cessation and cognitive research (PubChem: CHRNA2). Developing selective modulators for CHRNA2-containing receptors remains a therapeutic interest for treating specific forms of epilepsy and cognitive deficits while minimizing side effects associated with other nAChR subtypes (StatPearls: Nicotinic Receptors).

Other names

Cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 2 subunitnAChR alpha 2Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 2 subunitNeuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 2

Agonists or partial agonists bind to the receptor's extracellular site, triggering a conformational change that opens the ion channel pore, leading to neuronal depolarization through cation influx (PubMed: 22539471).