Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-10 (CHRNA10) (CHRNA10)

The neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-10 (CHRNA10) is a protein that primarily functions as part of a heteromeric ion channel complex, most commonly pairing with the alpha-9 subunit [1][3]. Unlike most other nicotinic receptors, the alpha-9/alpha-10 subtype is predominantly found in the peripheral nervous system, particularly in the cochlear hair cells of the inner ear and in various immune cells [1][4]. In the auditory system, these receptors mediate inhibitory feedback from the brain to the ear, protecting against noise-induced damage [3]. Beyond hearing, alpha-10-containing receptors have emerged as significant therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic and neuropathic pain [2]. Research indicates that blocking these receptors with specific antagonists, such as certain conotoxins (e.g., Vc1.1), can provide potent analgesic effects without the side effects associated with opioids [2][3]. Additionally, their presence on immune cells suggests a role in modulating inflammatory pathways, making them a focus for research into anti-inflammatory therapies and certain types of cancer where the receptor is overexpressed [1][2]. Sources: [1] UniProt (Q9GZZ6) [2] Mohammadi & Christie (2014), PubMed [3] Gotti et al. (2013), PubMed [4] NCBI Gene (CHRNA10)

Other names

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-10nAChR alpha-10Cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 10 subunitAlpha-9/alpha-10 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor

Antagonism of the alpha-9/alpha-10 heteromeric receptor complex to modulate pain signaling and inflammatory responses.