Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor (α3β2 and α6-Containing Subtypes) (nAChR α3β2/α6)

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are ligand-gated ion channels that respond to acetylcholine and nicotine. The α3β2 subtype and α6-containing nAChRs, including α4α6β2β3, α6β2β3, or α6β2, are key players in the central and peripheral nervous systems. They mediate fast synaptic transmission and regulate dopamine release, implicating them in addiction, Parkinson's disease, and neuropsychiatric disorders. α3β2 is present at autonomic ganglia and acts as a presynaptic autoreceptor. α6-containing nAChRs, particularly those including β2/β3/α4, exhibit high sensitivity to nicotine. These receptors are targets for smoking cessation therapies and potential interventions for neurological disorders.

Other names

Alpha3Beta2 Nicotinic ReceptorAlpha6-containing Nicotinic Receptorα3β2 nAChRα6-containing nAChR

Ligand-gated ion channel activation leading to cation influx and neuronal depolarization.