AChRα1β1δε/γ | Muscle-type nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Family:
Acetylcholine Receptors
Subgroups:
The family has been divided into nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (ionotropic channels) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (metabotropic G-protein coupled receptors). Both subgroups are sensitive to acetylcholine.
Topology:
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: As typical cys-loop receptors, acetylcholine receptor subunits contain four transmembrane spanning domains TM1-TM4. Five subunits form a pore, homomeric and heteromeric combinations are possible. Seventeen vertebrate subunits have been identified: α genes: CHRNA1 - CHRNA10; β genes: CHRNB1 - CHRNB4, as well as CHRND (delta), CHRNE (epsilon), CHRNG (gamma)
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors: 5 receptors have been described (M1 - M5), encoded by the 5 genes CHRM1 - CHRM5. These proteins contain seven transmembrane regions and do not form homo or heteromers.
AChRα1β1δε/γ: Background Information
Overview:
The muscle-type nicotinic receptor is a multi-pass membrane protein complex and neurotransmitter-gated ion-channel, consisting of the subunit combination (α1)2β1δε (adult receptor) or (α1)2β1δγ (fetal receptor). It is located in the neuromuscular junction, where activation yields EPSP, mainly by increased Na+ and K+ conductance.
Data Sheet:
Gene:
CHRNA1, CHRNB1, CHRND, CHRNE or CHRNG
Human Protein:
UniProt P02708 (CHRNA1), P11230 (CHRNB1), Q07001 (CHRND), Q04844 (CHRNE), P07510 (CHRNG)
Tissue:
Isoform 1 of the alpha subunit CHRNA1 is only expressed in skeletal muscle. Isoform 2 is constitutively expressed in skeletal muscle, brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung and thymus
Function/ Application:
Signal transduction at the neuromuscular junction for skeletal muscle contraction
Pathology:
The alpha subunit CHRNA1 is the main focus for antibody binding in Myasthenia Gravis, Myasthenic Syndrome Congenital, 1B, Fast-Channel and Myasthenic Syndrome, Congenital, 1A, Slow-Channel
Interaction:
Alpha-conotoxin ImII, is clustered at the neuromuscular junction via the extracellular matrix protein agrin
Modulator:
Acetylcholine, carbachol, suxamethonium, α-Bungarotoxin, α-Conotoxin, Hexamethonium, Pancuronium, Tubocurarine
Assays:
&
SSM-based Electropyhsiology (SURFE²R instrument family)
- Plasma membrane preparation from torpedo californica
- Double solution exchange for application of a Na-gradient, activation with Choline
- Application of modulators



- Whole cell patch clamp from heterologous cell lines
- Fast external exchange
- Application of modulators
Reviews and Links
Recommended Reviews:
Transporter classification database:
UniProt:
- Acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha (CHRNA1, Homo sapiens)
- Acetylcholine receptor subunit beta (CHRNB1, Homo sapiens)
- Acetylcholine receptor subunit delta (CHRND, Homo sapiens)
- Acetylcholine receptor subunit epsilon (CHRNE, Homo sapiens)
- Acetylcholine receptor subunit gamma (CHRNG, Homo sapiens)
IUPHAR/PBS:
Application Notes
Testimonials
Publications