The Roles of a5-Containing nAChRs in the Brain

Abstract

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are in the superfamily of the ligand-gated ion channels with an assembly of five subunits (a, b subunit). nAChRs, such as a4b-and a7-nAChRs play crucial roles in nicotine reward, dependence and withdrawal. Recently, functional profiles of the a5 nAChRs have been studied using the a5 knockout (KO) and the overexpression mice. a5-nAChRs in the brain participate in neuronal activities associate with nicotine dependence, withdrawal, aversion, as well as alcohol use disorders. The main focus of this review is to understand a5-containing nAChR's properties, function, and related disorders recently discovered.