| Summary: | Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels consisting of a combination of at least 17 possible subunits. Although most receptor subtypes are heteromeric, α7 subunits can assemble into homomeric receptors. α7 nicotinic receptors are the 2nd most highly expressed nicotinic receptor in the brain, and their high permeability to calcium ions allows participation in calcium-dependent processes such as neurotransmitter release and immune
modulation. Although these receptors have been well-studied, α7-mediated STAT3 signaling and α7 maturation remain unclear. The two major hypotheses we are investigating stem from these issues. The first hypothesis, regarding α7-mediated STAT3 activation, is that α7 drives STAT3 signaling independently of calcium ion flow. The second hypothesis, regarding α7 maturation, is that rat pituitary-derived GH4C1 cells possess Resistance to Inhibitors of Cholinesterase 3 (Ric3) to allow surface
α7 expression.
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