Neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha4beta2 (α4β2 nAChR)

The neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha4beta2 (α4β2 nAChR) is a ligand-gated ion channel predominantly found in the brain. It is one of the most abundant and functionally significant nAChR subtypes in the central nervous system. This receptor mediates fast synaptic transmission by responding to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine and exogenous ligands such as nicotine. It exists in two main stoichiometries, (α4)₂(β2)₃ and (α4)₃(β2)₂, with varying sensitivity to nicotine and calcium permeability. Activation leads to increased permeability primarily for Na⁺ and K⁺ ions, resulting in neuronal excitation at both pre-synaptic and post-synaptic sites. It is implicated in cognitive processes such as learning and attention and involved in growth hormone secretion. Mutations can result in reduced stature and predisposition to obesity due to impaired growth hormone release.

Other names

Alpha-four beta-two nicotinic acetylcholine receptorα₄β₂ nAChR

Agonist binding leading to increased permeability for Na⁺ and K⁺ ions.