CHRNA3 Gene Summary [Human]

This locus encodes a member of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor family of proteins. Members of this family of proteins form pentameric complexes comprised of both alpha and beta subunits. This locus encodes an alpha-type subunit, as it contains characteristic adjacent cysteine residues. The encoded protein is a ligand-gated ion channel that likely plays a role in neurotransmission. Polymorphisms in this gene have been associated with an increased risk of smoking initiation and an increased susceptibility to lung cancer. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2009]

Details

Type
Processed Transcript
Official Symbol
CHRNA3
Official Name
cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 3 subunit [Source:HGNC Symbol;Acc:HGNC:1957]
Ensembl ID
ENSG00000080644
Bio databases IDs NCBI: 1136 Ensembl: ENSG00000080644
Aliases cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 3 subunit, acetylcholine receptor, nicotinic, alpha 3 (neuronal)
Synonyms (a)3, A730007P14Rik, Acra-3, BAIPRCK, cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 3 subunit, cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, alpha polypeptide 3, cholinergic receptor nicotinic α 3 subunit, cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, α polypeptide 3, LNCR2, NACHRA3, NACHR alpha3 subunit, Nachr α 3, PAOD2, α 3 nicotinic receptor subunit
Species
Human, Homo sapiens
OrthologiesMouseRat

Protein Domains

A protein domain is a distinct structural or functional region within a protein that can evolve, function, and exist independently of the rest of the protein chain. These domains in human CHRNA3 often fold into stable, three-dimensional structures and are associated with specific biological functions, such as binding to DNA, other proteins, or small molecules.
  • excitatory extracellular ligand-gated ion channel
  • intracellular loop
  • channel/pore class transporter
  • extracellular ligand-gated ion channel
  • Cation transporter family protein
  • protein binding
  • acetylcholine receptor
  • neurotransmitter receptor
  • binding protein
  • LGIC_ECD
  • Neurotransmitter-gated ion-channel transmembrane region
  • Neurotransmitter-gated ion-channel ligand binding domain
  • transmembrane domain
  • ligand-gated ion channel
  • acetylcholine binding
  • transmembrane receptor
  • cation channel

Pathways

Biological processes and signaling networks where the CHRNA3 gene in human plays a role, providing insight into its function and relevance in health or disease.

Top Findings

The most significant associations for this gene, including commonly observed domains, pathway involvement, and functional highlights based on current data.
binds
disease
  • stroke
  • hepatocellular carcinoma
  • colorectal cancer
  • COVID-19
  • Alzheimer disease
  • pulmonary hypertension
  • lung squamous cell carcinoma
  • squamous cell lung cancer
  • disorder of diaphragm
  • myoclonus
regulated by
regulates
role in cell
  • transmembrane potential
  • synaptic transmission
  • excitation
  • blockade in
  • morphogenesis

Subcellular Expression

Locations within the cell where the protein is known or predicted to be active, providing insight into its function and cellular context.
  • Plasma Membrane
  • intracellular membrane-bounded organelle
  • cell surface
  • perinuclear region
  • cellular membrane
  • basal bodies
  • cytosol
  • synaptic membrane
  • nucleoli
  • nuclear speckles
  • synapse
  • membrane rafts
  • perikaryon
  • dendrites

Gene Ontology Annotations

Describes the biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions associated with the human CHRNA3 gene, providing context for its role in the cell.

Biological Process

Functions and activities the gene product is involved in
  • activation of transmembrane receptor protein tyrosine kinase activity
  • synaptic transmission, cholinergic
  • regulation of excitatory postsynaptic membrane potential
  • regulation of acetylcholine secretion
  • behavioral response to nicotine
  • synaptic transmission involved in micturition
  • signal transduction
  • ion transmembrane transport
  • nervous system development
  • response to nicotine
  • regulation of dendrite morphogenesis
  • regulation of smooth muscle contraction
  • ion transport
  • regulation of membrane potential
  • locomotory behavior
  • membrane depolarization

Cellular Component

Where in the cell the gene product is active
  • postsynaptic density
  • nuclear speck
  • Golgi apparatus
  • endoplasmic reticulum
  • neuronal cell body
  • synapse
  • acetylcholine-gated channel complex
  • neuron projection
  • plasma membrane
  • dendrite
  • postsynaptic membrane
  • membrane

Molecular Function

What the gene product does at the molecular level
  • acetylcholine receptor activity
  • protein binding
  • ligand-gated ion channel activity
  • acetylcholine-gated cation channel activity
  • acetylcholine binding

Gene-Specific Assays for Results You Can Trust

Streamline your workflow with assays designed for this gene. Our targeted dPCR and qPCR assays help you generate meaningful data – efficiently and accurately.