FEATURES

FAMILY

ligand-gated ion channel (TC 1.A.9) family

DESCRIPTION

Also known as ACHA9_HUMAN, CHRNA9, NACHRA9. Ionotropic receptor with a probable role in the modulation of auditory stimuli. Agonist binding induces a conformation change that leads to the opening of an ion-conducting channel across the plasma membrane (PubMed:11752216, PubMed:25282151). The channel is permeable to a range of divalent cations including calcium, the influx of which may activate a potassium current which hyperpolarizes the cell membrane (PubMed:11752216, PubMed:25282151). In the ear, this may lead to a reduction in basilar membrane motion, altering the activity of auditory nerve fibers and reducing the range of dynamic hearing. This may protect against acoustic trauma. May also regulate keratinocyte adhesion (PubMed:11021840). Can form homo- or heterooligomeric channels in conjunction with CHRNA10 (PubMed:11752216). The native outer hair cell receptor may be composed of CHRNA9-CHRNA10 heterooligomers. Interacts with the alpha-conotoxon RgIA (PubMed:22774872).

EXTERNAL LINKS

CHRNA9

Neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-9

CHRNA9

Molecular Synopsis