CHRNA6
Description
The CHRNA6 (cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 6 subunit) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 8.
The CHRNA6 gene encodes the alpha-6 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), which is primarily found in the brain. These receptors are crucial for dopamine release in the midbrain, which is linked to the addictive properties of nicotine. The alpha-6 subunit's location on dopaminergic neurons makes it a potential therapeutic target for Parkinson's disease. Research in animals suggests that alpha-6-containing nAChRs play a role in the addictive properties of ethanol, and drugs like mecamylamine can block these effects.
The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) undergoes a significant conformational change upon binding acetylcholine. This alteration affects all subunits, ultimately opening an ion-conducting channel across the plasma membrane.
CHRNA6 is also known as CHNRA6.
