Drug pipeline
Full profile accessExplore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.
- Drug candidates
- Developers
- Development stage
Target intelligence / Profile preview
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Alpha3Beta4 (α3β4 nAChR)
- Target
- α3β4 nAChR
- Molecular classification
- Receptor, Ion channel, Ligand-gated ion channel
01
Overview
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha3beta4 (α3β4 nAChR) is a subtype of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels. These receptors mediate fast synaptic transmission by allowing cation flux across the cell membrane upon activation by agonists such as acetylcholine or nicotine. It is predominantly expressed in autonomic ganglia and specific brain regions involved in reward circuits and addiction pathways. The α3β4 receptor is implicated in drug-seeking behavior, making it an attractive target for anti-addiction therapies.
- Other names
- alpha3beta4 nAChRα3β4 nicotinic receptornAChR α3β4
02
Mechanism of action
Activation leads to increased permeability to Na+ and K+, resulting in post-synaptic excitation. Antagonists block the receptor at the orthosteric site or allosterically, preventing ion channel opening.
03
Biological functions
NeurotransmissionSignal transductionRegulation of autonomic functionsModulation of reward pathways
04
Disease associations
Substance use disorderAddictionLung cancer susceptibility
05
Safety considerations
Non-selective targeting can lead to side effects due to the broad distribution of other nAChR subtypes.Potential for cardiovascular effects due to autonomic nervous system involvement.
06
Interacting drugs
Acetylcholine
21 more in the full profile.
07
Biomarkers
Genetic variations in CHRNA3/CHRNA5/CHRNB4 gene cluster associated with smoking behavior and lung cancer risk
Beyond the preview
Go deeper on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Alpha3Beta4 (α3β4 nAChR).
Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.
Clinical trials
Full profile accessFollow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.
- Trial design
- Status
- Readouts
Competitive landscape
Full profile accessCompare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.
- Programs
- Modalities
- Indications
Literature & evidence
Full profile accessInvestigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.
- Publications
- Sources
- Analysis
Patents
Full profile accessExplore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.
- Patents
- Assignees
- Technologies
Research & analysis
Full profile accessConnect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.
- Biology
- Development news
- Analysis
Bring the full picture into focus.
See how Gosset can support your research on Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Alpha3Beta4 (α3β4 nAChR).