RIC-3, a potential target for regulating cholinergic signaling and inflammation

Abstract

The nic���� acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) gene family encodes for subunits of acetylcholine gated ion channels. These receptors are expressed widely and have many ����� including an��� ���tory e� ects mediated by the α7 nAChR, as part of the cholinergic an��� ���tory pathway, in immune cells, microglia and astrocytes. Matura��� of α7 nAChRs into ������ ligand-gated ion channels in the plasma membrane is a complex process likely to require the RIC-3 protein. This endoplasmic re���� resident chaperone a� ects matura��� of ����� nAChRs, but its inter���� with these receptors and its e� ects on their matura��� �� er for �� erent nAChRs. Moreover, these inter���� and e� ects are regulated by ����� mechanisms.