Cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, alpha 6, also known as nAChRα6, is a
protein that in humans is encoded by the ''CHRNA6''
gene.
The CHRNA6 gene codes for the α6
nicotinic receptor subunit
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, or nAChRs, are receptor polypeptides that respond to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. Nicotinic receptors also respond to drugs such as the agonist nicotine. They are found in the central and peripheral ne ...
that is found in certain types of
nicotinic acetylcholine receptors found primarily in the brain. Neural nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α6 subunits are expressed on
dopamine
Dopamine (DA, a contraction of 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine) is a neuromodulatory molecule that plays several important roles in cells. It is an organic compound, organic chemical of the catecholamine and phenethylamine families. Dopamine const ...
-releasing neurons in the midbrain, and dopamine release following activation of these neurons is thought to be involved in the
addictive
Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to engage in certain behaviors, one of which is the usage of a drug, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences. Repetitive drug use oft ...
properties of
nicotine
Nicotine is a naturally produced alkaloid in the nightshade family of plants (most predominantly in tobacco and ''Duboisia hopwoodii'') and is widely used recreationally as a stimulant and anxiolytic. As a pharmaceutical drug, it is used fo ...
. Due to their selective localisation on dopaminergic neurons, α6-containing nACh receptors have also been suggested as a possible therapeutic target for the treatment of
Parkinson's disease.
In addition to nicotine, research in animals has implicated alpha-6-containing nAChRs in the abusive and addictive properties of ethanol, with
mecamylamine demonstrating a potent ability to block these properties.
Interactive pathway map
See also
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Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
References
Further reading
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External links
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Ion channels
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
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