Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
Neuronal Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit Alpha-4 (nAChRα4)
- Target
- nAChRα4
- Molecular classification
- Receptor, Ligand-gated ion channel
01
Overview
The neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-4 (nAChRα4) is a subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), a ligand-gated ion channel that mediates fast synaptic transmission. It forms heteromeric receptors, predominantly α4β2 nAChRs, which are crucial for modulating neurotransmitter release, cognitive processes, and mediating addictive responses to nicotine. Mutations in CHRNA4, the gene encoding α4, are linked to neurological disorders such as ADNFLE and paroxysmal kinesogenic dyskinesia. Alpha-4-containing nAChRs are therapeutic targets for conditions including neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, schizophrenia, depression, pain management, and smoking cessation.
- Other names
- CHRNA4NACRA4NACHRABFNC
02
Mechanism of action
Agonist binding induces conformational change, opening the ion channel and allowing cation influx (primarily Na+).
03
Biological functions
Synaptic transmission modulationNeurotransmitter releaseCognitive processes (learning, memory)Regulation of neuronal excitabilityMediation of addictive responses
04
Disease associations
Autosomal Dominant Nocturnal Frontal Lobe Epilepsy (ADNFLE)Paroxysmal Kinesogenic DyskinesiaNeurodegenerative diseasesEpilepsySchizophreniaDepressionAddiction
05
Safety considerations
Potential for seizures with excessive activationAddictive properties of nicotinePotential for off-target effects due to widespread expression in the brain
06
Interacting drugs
Acetylcholine
1 more in the full profile.
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Neuronal Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit Alpha-4 (nAChRα4).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Neuronal Acetylcholine Receptor Subunit Alpha-4 (nAChRα4).