Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α3β4 (nAChR α3β4)

The **neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α3β4** is a pentameric ligand-gated ion channel composed of α3 and β4 subunits, predominantly expressed in the peripheral nervous system and select regions of the central nervous system. Upon binding acetylcholine or other agonists, it opens to form a cation-selective channel, enabling rapid synaptic transmission. This receptor subtype contributes to the modulation of neurotransmitter release, neuronal excitability, and autonomic function. The genes encoding the α3 and β4 subunits (CHRNA3, CHRNB4) are closely clustered in the genome and have been implicated by genetic association studies as risk factors for nicotine dependence, certain pulmonary diseases, and various other pathologies. The α3β4 receptor is a therapeutic target for smoking cessation and other neuropharmacological interventions, but its peripheral and central expression raise safety concerns, especially regarding cardiovascular and addiction-related side effects[1][2][3][4][5][6].

Other names

α3β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptorneuronal nAChR α3β4nAChR α3β4CHRNA3/CHNRB4 receptorneuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-3/beta-4

Agonists activate the receptor, opening the ion channel to allow cation influx (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺), leading to membrane depolarization and downstream signaling Antagonists bind and block the receptor, preventing activation by acetylcholine or other agonists