The CHRNB4 antibody targets the beta-4 subunit of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), which are ligand-gated ion channels critical for synaptic signaling in the nervous system. Encoded by the *CHRNB4* gene, the β4 subunit combines with α subunits (e.g., α3. α4) to form functional receptor complexes. These receptors modulate neurotransmitter release, particularly dopamine and glutamate, influencing processes like cognition, reward, and addiction.
CHRNB4-containing receptors are predominantly expressed in the habenulo-interpeduncular pathway, autonomic ganglia, and select brain regions, linking them to behaviors such as nicotine dependence, anxiety, and pain modulation. Antibodies against CHRNB4 are essential tools for studying receptor localization, expression levels, and subunit composition in tissues or cell models. They enable techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and flow cytometry, aiding research on receptor trafficking, synaptic plasticity, and disease mechanisms.
Dysregulation of CHRNB4 has been implicated in neurological disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and nicotine addiction. For example, genetic variations in *CHRNB4* are associated with altered nicotine sensitivity and smoking behaviors. CHRNB4 antibodies also support drug discovery by validating target engagement in preclinical studies. Their specificity ensures accurate detection, though validation across species and applications is critical due to sequence homology among nAChR subunits. Overall, these antibodies advance understanding of cholinergic signaling and its therapeutic potential.