Part 7: Deciphering the Genetic Symphony of Nicotinic Cholinergic Receptors

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this captivating exploration of the intricate world of nicotinic cholinergic receptors. Today, we embark on an enlightening journey through the genetic landscape of these receptors, as we uncover their subunit composition, paradoxical upregulation, and their significant implications in cancer, lung disease, and addiction. Join me as we dive deep into the symphony of molecular interactions that govern our physiological processes.

Unraveling the Subunit Complexity: Decoding the Genetic Alphabet of nAChRs

In the realm of nicotinic cholinergic receptors, we encounter a complex ensemble of seventeen subunits, genetically classified as α, β, δ, γ, and ε. For our present exploration, we will focus on the neuronal α and β subunits, which play a central role in the functioning of these receptors. It is within these subunits that the genetic code orchestrates a mesmerizing dance of cellular signaling.

The neuronal α and β subunits form pentameric stoichiometry, coming together in two distinct ways: homomeric receptors, where all five subunits are identical, and heteromeric receptors, where different α and β subunits combine to form the receptor complex. This diverse assembly gives rise to a wide range of receptor subtypes, each with unique functional properties and implications.

Among the prevalent receptor classes in mammalian brains, two notable examples are α32β43 and α75. The former consists of two α3 genes and three β4 genes…