23 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (muscarinic receptors) are prototypical G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) activated by the endogenous neurotransmitter acetylcholine and play key roles in regulating the activity of many vital functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems. Studies of muscarinic receptors as well as rhodopsin and b adrenergic receptors have revealed several characteristics of GPCRs, which are also true for other GPCRs. Here, we present an overview of the historical background and current studies of muscarinic receptors focusing on studies carried out in our laboratory. List of Abbreviations: AC, adenylyl cyclase; AKAP, cAMP-dependent protein kinase anchoring protein; GAP, GTPase-activating protein; GPCR, G protein-coupled receptor; GRK, G protein-coupled receptor kinase; i2, second intracellular loop; i3, third intracellular loop; IP3, inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate; KO, knockout; NMR, nuclear magnetic resonance; PKA, cAMP-dependent protein kinase; PKC, protein kinase 3 Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor C; PLC, phospholipase C; RGS, regulators of G protein signaling; RH, regulator of G protein signaling homology; TM, transmembrane; TRPC6, transient receptor potential-canonical subtype; WT, wild-type