Summary of CHRNA5
The CHRNA5 gene codes for cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 5 subunit (CHRNA5). CHRNA5 and other proteins combine to form a type of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor [R].
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors help transmit signals in the brain and activate skeletal muscles. As their name suggests, these receptors bind nicotine (an addictive chemical found in cigarettes) and acetylcholine (a chemical messenger of the nervous system) [R].
CHRNA5 polymorphisms have been linked to nicotine addiction [R].
Protein names
Recommended name:
Neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-5- RS16969968 (CHRNA5) ??
- RS17486278 (CHRNA5) ??
- RS2036527 (CHRNA5) ??
- RS503464 (CHRNA5) ??
- RS569207 (CHRNA5) ??
- RS588765 (CHRNA5) ??
- RS6495306 (CHRNA5) ??
- RS667282 (CHRNA5) ??
- RS680244 (CHRNA5) ??
To see your genotype, you should be logged in and have a file with your genotype uploaded.
Top Gene-Substance Interactions
CHRNA5 Interacts with These Diseases
| Disease | Score |
Fixes
Do not start smoking or nicotine.
Substances That Increase CHRNA5
| Substances | Interaction | Organism | Category |
Substances That Decrease CHRNA5
| Substances | Interaction | Organism | Category |
Advanced Summary
The CHRNA5 gene produces a component of nicotinic receptors. Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are a family of receptors that can mediate fast signal transmission at synapses (R), as well as increase the release of several neurotransmitters (R).
Nicotine activates these receptors. The most abundant receptor variation in the brain is the 4²2 subtype. Some 4²2 receptors also contain an 5 subunit (R). Inclusion of an 5 subunit in the nicotinic receptor significantly increases the rate of receptor desensitization and calcium permeability (R). Higher CHRNA5 gene production results in more 5 subunit production and therefore more nictoine dependence risk (R).
Lower CHRNA5 gene production results in lower 5 subunit production. Inclusion of an 5 subunit in the nicotinic receptor significantly increases the rate of receptor desensitization (R), which increases nicotine dependence risk.
Conditions with Increased Gene Activity
| Condition | Change (log2fold) | Comparison | Species | Experimental variables | Experiment name |
|---|
Conditions with Decreased Gene Activity
| Condition | Change (log2fold) | Comparison | Species | Experimental variables | Experiment name |
|---|
Technical
The following transcription factors affect gene expression:
Gene Pathways:
Molecular Function:
- Ligand-Gated Ion Channel Activity
- Acetylcholine Receptor Activity
- Acetylcholine Binding
- Acetylcholine-Activated Cation-Selective Channel Activity
Biological Processes:
- Transport
- Signal Transduction
- Chemical Synaptic Transmission
- Synaptic Transmission, Cholinergic
- Neuromuscular Synaptic Transmission
- Behavioral Response To Nicotine