Non-Neuronal Functions of the M2 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor

Genes

Wymke Ockenga¹  Sina Kühne¹  Simone Bocksberger¹  Antje Banning¹ 

[1] Institute of Biochemistry, Medical Faculty, University of Giessen, Friedrichstrasse 24, 35392 Giessen, Germany;

关键词: acetylcholine;    G proteins;    signal transduction;    muscarinic receptors;   

DOI  :  10.3390/genes4020171

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter whose effects are mediated by two classes of receptors. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are ion channels, whereas the muscarinic receptors belong to the large family of G protein coupled seven transmembrane helix receptors. Beyond its function in neuronal systems, it has become evident that acetylcholine also plays an important role in non-neuronal cells such as epithelial and immune cells. Furthermore, many cell types in the periphery are capable of synthesizing acetylcholine and express at least some of the receptors. In this review, we summarize the non-neuronal functions of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, especially those of the M₂ muscarinic receptor in epithelial cells. We will review the mechanisms of signaling by the M₂ receptor but also the cellular trafficking and ARF6 mediated endocytosis of this receptor, which play an important role in the regulation of signaling events. In addition, we provide an overview of the M₂ receptor in human pathological conditions such as autoimmune diseases and cancer.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.