CHRNA5

Neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha-5, also known as nAChRα5, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the "CHRNA5" gene. The protein encoded by this gene is a subunit of certain nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAchR).
Function.
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), such as CHRNA5, are members of a superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast signal transmission at synapses. The nAChRs are thought to be (hetero)pentamers composed of homologous subunits. CHRNA5 is a candidate gene for predisposition to nicotine dependence and to lung cancer risk. Polymorphisms in the CHRNA5 promoter are functionally associated with CHRNA5 transcript levels in lung tissue. 