nAChR

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are a class of ligand-gated ion channels that respond to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Located in the nervous system and at neuromuscular junctions, these receptors play key roles in muscle contraction and the modulation of neurotransmitter release throughout the nervous system. nAChRs are pentameric structures, meaning they consist of five subunits that form a central pore. When acetylcholine or other agonists bind to these receptors, the pore opens, allowing ions like sodium and calcium to flow through, thereby propagating electrical signals. Dysfunctions in nAChRs are linked to neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and nicotine addiction, making them important targets for therapeutic drugs.