The CHRNA4 antibody targets the alpha-4 subunit of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), ligand-gated ion channels critical for synaptic transmission in the central and peripheral nervous systems. CHRNA4 forms heteromeric or homomeric pentamers, primarily with β2 subunits (α4β2 nAChRs), mediating acetylcholine binding and ion flux. These receptors regulate neurotransmitter release, including dopamine and glutamate, influencing cognitive functions, attention, and addiction pathways.
CHRNA4 mutations are linked to autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) and associated with neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and nicotine dependence. Antibodies against CHRNA4 enable detection, localization, and functional studies of the subunit in tissues or cell models. They are used in techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence to assess expression levels, trafficking, and post-translational modifications.
Commercial CHRNA4 antibodies are typically raised in rabbits or mice, validated for specificity via knockout controls. Research applications focus on understanding receptor assembly, synaptic plasticity, and disease mechanisms. Dysregulation of α4-containing nAChRs is also implicated in lung cancer progression, expanding the antibody’s utility in oncology. Reliable CHRNA4 antibodies remain essential tools for dissecting the receptor’s role in health and disease.