Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Alpha-7 Subunit (α7 nAChR)

The Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Alpha-7 Subunit (α7 nAChR) is a homopentameric ligand-gated ion channel highly permeable to Ca²⁺ ions. It is expressed in the brain, spleen, lymphocytes, immune cells, endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells. It mediates fast synaptic transmission and is involved in cognitive processes, neurogenesis, and inflammation modulation. It is a target for cognitive enhancement in Alzheimer's disease and for improving neurocognition in schizophrenia. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce inflammatory neurotoxicity. Agonists and antagonists are used to modulate its activity.

Other names

NACHRA7CHRNA7Neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-7

Upon binding acetylcholine, the receptor undergoes a conformational change that opens its central pore, allowing rapid influx of cations—especially Ca²⁺—leading to depolarization/excitation of neurons or non-neuronal cells. Rapidly desensitizes after activation. Activation on immune cells suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines.