Anti-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor alpha 4/CHRNA4 antibody [EPR4563(2)]

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor alpha 4 subunit also known as CHRNA4 forms a part of the nicotinic cholinergic receptor family. It serves as a ligand-gated ion channel responsive to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This receptor's proper function involves the binding of acetylcholine which results in the opening of an ion channel leading to ion flow across the membrane. CHRNA4 has a molecular mass of about 67 kDa and typically pairs with other subunits like beta 2 (β2) to form a functional receptor. It is primarily expressed in the central nervous system particularly within the cerebral cortex hippocampus and basal forebrain regions.

Biological function summary

CHRNA4's role extends beyond the basic mechanism of ion channel opening. It engages in the modulation of synaptic activity and participates in the cognitive processes due to its localization in the brain. CHRNA4 usually forms a receptor complex with other types of alpha and beta subunits such as the alpha 3 and beta 2 subunits contributing to the diversity due to its different subunit composition. This variety of subunit combinations determines distinct pharmacological and kinetic properties of the resulting ion channels.

Pathways

The CHRNA4 subunit involved in the neurotransmission pathways integrates into the cholinergic signaling pathway. This pathway is essential for modulating various cognitive functions including learning and memory. The CHRNA4 subunit closely interacts with other proteins such as CHRNB2 as part of the receptor complex functioning in the cholinergic synaptic transmission. This interaction supports the involvement in key neurotransmitter systems that regulate mood arousal and cognitive function.

Associated diseases and disorders

Aberrations in CHRNA4 function link to several neurological conditions. It associates strongly with autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy where mutations in CHRNA4 can lead to hypersynchronization of neuronal activity. Additionally alterations in this receptor are implicated in nicotine addiction where genetic variations in CHRNA4 influence vulnerability. These disorders illustrate the broader role of CHRNA4 within the brain's network emphasizing its connection to other cholinergic receptors and proteins such as CHRNB2 which also share involvement in these disease pathways.