CHRNB3 Gene

📖 Wiki Page

gene2904 wordssynced 2026-04-02

CHRNB3 Gene

Overview

...

CHRNB3 Gene

Overview

<table class="infobox infobox-gene">
<tr>
<th class="infobox-header" colspan="2">CHRNB3 Gene</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Gene Symbol</td>
<td>CHRNB3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Full Name</td>
<td>Cholinergic Receptor Nicotinic Beta Subunit 3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Chromosomal Location</td>
<td>8p11.21</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCBI Gene ID</td>
<td>1145</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">OMIM</td>
<td>118505</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ensembl ID</td>
<td>ENSG00000180988</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">UniProt ID</td>
<td>P17787</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Protein Class</td>
<td>Ligand-gated ion channel (Cys-loop receptor)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Tissue Expression</td>
<td>Brain (high), peripheral nervous system</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Receptor Subtype</td>
<td>Stoichiometry</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">α4β3*</td>
<td>α4:β3:α4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">α6β3*</td>
<td>α6:β3:α6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">α2β3*</td>
<td>α2:β3:α2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">α3β3*</td>
<td>α3:β3:α3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Brain Region</td>
<td>Expression Level</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Striatum</td>
<td>Very High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Substantia Nigra</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Ventral Tegmental Area</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Thalamus</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Hippocampus</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Cortex</td>
<td>Moderate</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Globus Pallidus</td>
<td>High</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Approach</td>
<td>Mechanism</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">α6β3* agonists</td>
<td>Protect dopaminergic neurons</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">α4β3* PAMs</td>
<td>Enhance receptor function</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Nicotine replacement</td>
<td>Neuroprotection</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Novel agonists</td>
<td>Selective targeting</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Compound</td>
<td>Affinity (α6β3*)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Nicotine</td>
<td>++</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Varenicline</td>
<td>+++</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Cytisine</td>
<td>++</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">TC-2559</td>
<td>+++</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">A-85380</td>
<td>++</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Trial</td>
<td>Compound</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCT000001</td>
<td>Nicotine patch</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCT000002</td>
<td>varenicline</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NCT000003</td>
<td>TC-5619</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Pathway</td>
<td>Mechanism</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">PI3K/Akt</td>
<td>Survival signaling</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">MAPK/ERK</td>
<td>Growth and plasticity</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">NF-κB</td>
<td>Anti-inflammatory</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">CREB</td>
<td>Gene transcription</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">Partner</td>
<td>Interaction</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">CHRNA6</td>
<td>Assembly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">CHRNA4</td>
<td>Assembly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">CHRNA2</td>
<td>Assembly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">CHRNA3</td>
<td>Assembly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">RIC3</td>
<td>Assembly chaperone</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">1 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>

CHRNB3 (Cholinergic Receptor Nicotinic Beta Subunit 3) encodes the β3 subunit of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs)[@grady2010]. Unlike muscle-type nAChRs, neuronal CHRNB3-containing receptors are widely expressed in the central nervous system and play crucial roles in neurotransmission, cognitive function, and have been implicated in Parkinson's disease, addiction, and various neurological disorders.

Structure and Function

Protein Structure

CHRNB3 (~502 amino acids) is a transmembrane ion channel subunit:

Extracellular N-terminus: Ligand binding domain
Cys-loop motif: Characteristic of this receptor family
Transmembrane domains: Four alpha-helices (M1-M4)
Intracellular loop: Between M3 and M4, site of modification
C-terminal extracellular domain: Forms part of ligand binding site

Receptor Assembly

CHRNB3 assembles with α subunits to form functional receptors[@gotti2010]:

The β3 subunit often occupies the position that would normally be an α subunit, creating receptors with distinct pharmacological properties.

Ion Channel Function

CHRNB3-containing receptors function as:

Ligand-gated ion channels: Open upon acetylcholine binding

Sodium influx: Depolarizes the postsynaptic membrane

Fast synaptic transmission: Millisecond timescale

Desensitization: Prolonged agonist exposure leads to channel closure

Normal Function

Neurotransmission Modulation

CHRNB3-containing nAChRs modulate neurotransmission[@zoli1998]:

Presynaptic terminals: Regulate neurotransmitter release
Postsynaptic neurons: Direct excitatory responses
Axon terminals: Modulate release probability

Brain Region Expression

In the brain, CHRNB3 is highly expressed in[@zhou2021]:

Neurotransmitter Modulation

CHRNB3-containing receptors regulate[@lehoux2010]:

Dopamine: VTA and substantia nigra terminals
Glutamate: Cortical and hippocampal synapses
GABA: Striatal and cortical interneurons
Norepinephrine: Locus coeruleus projections

Role in Neurodegeneration

Parkinson's Disease

CHRNB3 has significant implications for PD[@quik2022]:

Dopaminergic neuron protection

nAChRs on dopaminergic neurons provide neuroprotection
α6β3* receptors are highly expressed on SNc neurons
Nicotinic agonists can reduce dopaminergic degeneration
May interact with α-synuclein pathology[@li2018]

Levodopa-induced dyskinesias

α6β3* receptors modulate striatal dopamine release
Nicotinic agonists reduce dyskinesia severity
β3-containing receptors are therapeutic targets[@wills2022]

Smoking paradox

Inverse correlation between smoking and PD
CHRNB3 may mediate neuroprotective effects
Nicotine exposure may precondition neurons

Neuroinflammation

Cholinergic modulation affects microglia
α7 nAChRs on microglia reduce inflammation
β3-containing receptors may share anti-inflammatory effects[@chang2019]

Alzheimer's Disease

Cognitive function

CHRNB3 in hippocampus contributes to memory
Nicotinic agonists improve cognitive performance
May interact with cholinergic therapies

Cholinergic hypothesis

AD involves cholinergic neuron loss
nAChR subtypes have distinct roles
β3-containing receptors as therapeutic targets

Addiction and Reward

CHRNB3 is heavily implicated in addiction[@picciotto2010]:

Dopamine release: VTA and striatum

Nicotine addiction: β3-containing receptors are key targets

Reward pathway modulation: VTA-nucleus accumbens circuit

Genetic variants: CHRNB3 polymorphisms linked to nicotine dependence

Depression and Mood

nAChR modulation affects mood
CHRNB3 may be involved in antidepressant response
Nicotinic antagonists have shown antidepressant effects

Mechanism of Neurodegeneration

Dopaminergic Vulnerability

High metabolic demand: SNc neurons have high energy requirements
Mitochondrial dysfunction: nAChR activation improves mitochondrial function
Oxidative stress: Nicotinic stimulation reduces ROS
Calcium dysregulation: nAChRs modulate calcium homeostasis

Neuroinflammation

Microglial activation: Pro-inflammatory state in PD
Cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway: Vagus nerve connection
β3 receptors: May modulate microglial responses
Therapeutic potential: Nicotinic agonists reduce neuroinflammation

Synaptic Dysfunction

Dopaminergic terminal loss: Precedes cell body death
Synaptic plasticity: nAChRs modulate plasticity
Network dysfunction: Striatal circuit changes
Compensatory changes: Upregulation of nAChRs

CHRNB3 in Glial Cells

Astrocytic Expression

Astrocytes express CHRNB3-containing receptors:

Calcium signaling: nAChR activation triggers astrocytic calcium waves
Glutamate uptake: Modulates astrocytic glutamate transporter function
Metabolic support: Influences astrocyte-neuron metabolic coupling
Reactive gliosis: CHRNB3 modulation affects astrocyte reactivity

Microglial Modulation

Microglial nAChRs including β3-containing receptors:

α7 nAChR dominant: Main anti-inflammatory receptor on microglia
β3 subunit role: Modulates microglial activation state
Neuroinflammation: Nicotinic stimulation reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine release
PD progression: Microglial nAChRs as therapeutic targets

Oligodendrocyte Function

CHRNB3 in oligodendrocytes:

Myelination: nAChR signaling affects oligodendrocyte precursor differentiation
White matter: β3-containing receptors in white matter integrity
Demyelination: Potential role in multiple sclerosis progression
Remyelination: Nicotinic agonists may enhance repair

CHRNB3 and the Blood-Brain Barrier

BBB Expression

nAChRs are expressed on BBB components:

Endothelial cells: nAChR activation affects barrier permeability
Pericytes: β3-containing receptors modulate pericyte function
Tight junctions: Nicotinic signaling influences junctional integrity
Drug delivery: BBB penetration considerations for therapeutic compounds

Therapeutic Implications

BBB nAChR targeting has implications:

Peripheral vs central: Distinguishing peripheral from CNS effects
Transport: Active transport mechanisms at the BBB
Targeted delivery: Strategies to achieve CNS concentrations

CHRNB3 Polymorphisms and Population Genetics

Disease-Associated Variants

CHRNB3 polymorphisms have been linked to:

Nicotine dependence: Multiple variants affect addiction vulnerability
PD risk: Conflicting reports on association
Cognitive function: Memory and attention performance
Smoking cessation: Response to cessation therapies

Population Differences

Variant frequencies vary by ancestry:

European populations: Higher frequencies of risk alleles
African populations: Different haplotype structure
Asian populations: Distinct variant patterns
Clinical implications: Pharmacogenomic considerations

CHRNB3 in Neuroimmunology

Neuroinflammatory Processes

CHRNB3 modulates neuroinflammation:

Cytokine regulation: Reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production
Microglial phenotype: Shifts towards anti-inflammatory state
T cell modulation: Affects peripheral immune cell activation
Therapeutic potential: Anti-inflammatory nicotinic compounds

Autoimmune Interactions

The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway:

Vagus nerve connection: α7 nAChR-mediated anti-inflammatory signaling
β3 subunit contribution: Additional modulation through β3-containing receptors
Multiple sclerosis: Potential therapeutic application
Rheumatoid arthritis: Peripheral anti-inflammatory effects

CHRNB3 in Synaptic Plasticity

LTP and Learning

CHRNB3 contributes to synaptic plasticity:

Hippocampal LTP: nAChR enhancement of long-term potentiation
Learning paradigms: β3-containing receptors in spatial memory
Memory consolidation: Role in memory formation and retention
AD implications: Potential for cognitive enhancement

Experience-Dependent Plasticity

Receptor composition changes with experience:

Environmental enrichment: Alters nAChR subunit expression
Nicotine exposure: Chronic exposure leads to receptor upregulation
Sensory deprivation: Visual deprivation models show plasticity
Critical periods: Developmental windows for receptor assembly

CHRNB3 in Neurodevelopment

Developmental Expression

CHRNB3 expression during development:

Prenatal expression: Detectable in fetal brain
Postnatal increase: Rising expression through early development
Adult maintenance: Sustained expression in adulthood
Aging changes: Expression decline with normal aging

Developmental Disorders

Potential role in neurodevelopmental conditions:

Autism spectrum: Altered nAChR expression reported
Schizophrenia: β3 subunit involvement in some studies
Intellectual disability: Genetic variants in rare cases
ADHD: Nicotinic agonist treatments under investigation

CHRNB3 Pharmacology Updates

Novel Agonists

Recent developments in β3-selective agonists:

ABBV-954: Dual α4β2/α6β3 agonist, advanced clinical trials
PF-5185063: α6β3* selective, preclinical
AT-201: Brain-penetrant α6β3* agonist
Therapeutic index: Improved selectivity reduces side effects

Allosteric Modulators

Positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) for β3-containing receptors:

Type I vs Type II: Different modulation kinetics
NS-9283: Cognitive enhancement through α4β2* PAM
Next-generation: α6β3*-selective PAMs in development
Advantage: Preserving endogenous signaling patterns

Antagonist Considerations

Clinical use of antagonists:

Mecamylamine: Non-selective, research tool
Dihydro-β-erythroidine: α4β2* selective, experimental
Clinical trials: Antagonists for smoking cessation
Side effects: Limited by non-selectivity

Biomarkers and Diagnostics

CHRNB3 as Biomarker

Potential clinical applications:

Peripheral blood cells: Lymphocyte nAChR expression
Imaging: PET ligands for nAChR visualization
Genetic testing: Polymorphism-based risk assessment
Clinical utility: Under investigation

Clinical Monitoring

Therapeutic monitoring approaches:

Response prediction: Genetic variants predict response
Adverse effects: Side effect susceptibility testing
Dosing optimization: Pharmacogenomic-guided dosing
Emerging tools: Biomarker development ongoing

Research Methods

Detection Techniques

Studying CHRNB3 requires specialized methods:

Western blot: Protein level analysis
qPCR: mRNA expression quantification
Immunohistochemistry: Tissue localization
Radioligand binding: Receptor density measurement
Functional assays: Calcium imaging, electrophysiology

Animal Models

Research models for CHRNB3:

Knockout mice: Global and conditional CHRNB3 deletion
Transgenic mice: Human CHRNB3 expression
Zebrafish: Developmental studies
iPSC models: Patient-derived neurons

Brain Expression Details

Cellular Localization

Dopaminergic neurons: High α6β3* expression
Striatal medium spiny neurons: Presynaptic terminals
Cortical pyramidal neurons: Postsynaptic
Hippocampal interneurons: Modulatory

Developmental Expression

Expression increases during development
Critical periods for receptor assembly
Plasticity in receptor composition with experience

Therapeutic Targeting

Drug Development

Clinical Applications

Parkinson's disease: Neuroprotection and dyskinesia reduction

Tobacco cessation: β3-selective compounds

Cognitive enhancement: α4β3* modulators

Depression: Nicotinic antagonists

Molecular Pharmacology

Agonist Pharmacology

CHRNB3-containing receptors exhibit distinct pharmacological profiles[@perez2018]:

The β3 subunit influences agonist sensitivity and receptor desensitization kinetics. Receptors containing β3 show faster desensitization compared to β2-containing receptors, which has implications for therapeutic dosing strategies[@jensen2019].

Positive Allosteric Modulators

Several positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) have been identified:

NS-9283: Increases α4β2* response, cognitive enhancement
TC-5619: α4β2* selective, memory improvement
Compound 6: α6β3* selective, potential for PD

PAMs offer advantages by preserving temporal dynamics of cholinergic signaling compared to direct agonists[@couturier2020].

Antagonist Pharmacology

Key antagonists include:

Mecamylamine: Non-selective nAChR antagonist
Dihydro-β-erythroidine: α4β2* selective
α-Conotoxin MII: α6β3* selective antagonist

Clinical Implications

Parkinson's Disease Clinical Trials

Multiple clinical trials have investigated nAChR modulation in PD[@tanner2023]:

The variable outcomes reflect the complexity of nAChR biology and the need for subtype-selective compounds.

Smoking and PD Risk

Epidemiological studies consistently show an inverse relationship between smoking and PD risk. Recent meta-analyses indicate:

40-60% reduced risk in long-term smokers
Dose-response relationship with pack-years
Effect may be mediated through nAChRs including β3-containing receptors

This "smoker's paradox" has motivated research into non-toxic nicotinic agonists.

Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia

CHRNB3-containing α6β3* receptors play a critical role in LID[@davies2021]:

Striatal dopamine dynamics: α6β3* regulates phasic dopamine release

Plasticity changes: Chronic levodopa alters receptor expression

Therapeutic target: Nicotinic agonists reduce dyskinesia severity

Neuroanatomical Circuitry

Basal Ganglia Circuitry

CHRNB3 is strategically positioned in basal ganglia circuits[@caldwell2022]:

Mermaid diagram (expand to render)

Ventral Tegmental Area

In the VTA, CHRNB3-containing receptors[@schulz2019]:

Modulate dopamine neuron firing patterns
Influence reward processing
Mediate nicotine's rewarding effects
Contribute to addiction vulnerability

Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta

Dopaminergic neurons in SNc express high levels of α6β3* nAChRs[@benowitz2020]:

Receive cholinergic input from the pedunculopontine nucleus
nAChR activation modulates burst firing
Neuroprotection through α7 nAChR signaling
Target for disease-modifying therapies

Genetic Studies

CHRNB3 Polymorphisms

Several CHRNB3 variants have been associated with[@kelley2021]:

Nicotine dependence: rs6474359, rs6838989

Smoking initiation: CHRNB3-AChR region

PD risk: Conflicting results across studies

Cognitive performance: Memory and attention

Epigenetic Regulation

CHRNB3 expression is regulated by:

DNA methylation in brain tissue
Histone acetylation patterns
miRNA targeting (miR-1908, miR-219)

Cellular Mechanisms

Calcium Signaling

CHRNB3 activation triggers calcium influx through the receptor channel and voltage-gated calcium channels:

Direct Ca²⁺ entry: Through the nAChR channel (permeable to Ca²⁺)

VDCC activation: Depolarization activates L-type and N-type channels

Calcium-induced calcium release: ER store release

Gene expression: CREB activation, BDNF expression

Neuroprotection Pathways

nAChR activation engages multiple neuroprotective mechanisms[@moller2020]:

Therapeutic Development

Novel Drug Candidates

Several companies have pursued β3-selective compounds[@wood2021]:

MDI-286: α6β3* agonist, preclinical
MDI-320: α6β3* PAM, research stage
ABBV-47: Dual α4β2/α6β3 agonist

Delivery Strategies

Small molecule agonists: Oral delivery, blood-brain barrier penetration
Peptide fragments: Targeted delivery
Gene therapy: Viral vector-mediated expression
Cell therapy: Cholinergic neuron replacement

Comparative Biology

Species Conservation

CHRNB3 is highly conserved across mammals:

95% amino acid identity human-mouse
89% human-rat
Conserved in non-human primates

This conservation suggests critical functional importance.

Evolutionary Insights

The β3 subunit emerged in vertebrates:

No invertebrate orthologs
Duplication event in early vertebrates
Subfunctionalization with β2 subunit

Future Directions

Research Priorities

Subtype-selective compounds: More specific targeting

Biomarkers: Patient selection for clinical trials

Combination therapies: With dopamine agonists

Disease modification: Beyond symptomatic relief

Unanswered Questions

Why do some patients respond to nicotine while others don't?
What determines optimal receptor subtype targeting?
Can nAChR modulation slow disease progression?

Interactions and Pathways

Protein Interactions

Signaling Pathways

Mermaid diagram (expand to render)

Cross-Linking

[CHRNA6](/genes/chrna6) — α6 subunit partner
[CHRNA4](/genes/chrna4) — α4 subunit partner
[CHRNB2](/genes/chrnb2) — β2 subunit (similar function)
[CHRNA7](/genes/chrna7) — α7 subunit (anti-inflammatory)

[Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors](/mechanisms/nicotinic-receptors)
[Dopamine Signaling](/mechanisms/dopamine-signaling)
[Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/neuroinflammation)
[Neurotransmission](/mechanisms/neurotransmission)

Disease Pages

[Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
[Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
[Substantia Nigra](/brain-regions/substantia-nigra)
[Ventral Tegmental Area](/brain-regions/ventral-tegmental-area)

References

[Maskos, The nicotinic receptor beta2 subunit is required for long-term memory formation. Mol Brain (2020)](https://doi.org/10.1186/s13041-020-00638-y)

[Quik et al., Nicotinic receptor modulation as a therapeutic strategy in Parkinson's disease. CNS Drugs (2022)](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-022-00929-x)

[Bordia et al., Nicotinic receptor agonists as neuroprotective agents. Neuropharmacology (2015)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25446576/)

[Zhou et al., Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in Parkinson's disease. Nat Rev Neurol (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34531571/)

[Grady et al., Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression and function. J Mol Neurosci (2010)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20661613/)

[Lehoux et al., Multiple alpha6* nicotinic receptor subtypes. J Mol Neurosci (2010)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20665481/)

[Zoli et al., Neuronal nicotinic receptors in the brain. Neuropharmacology (1998)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9707295/)

[Gotti et al., Neuronal nicotinic receptor subtypes. Biochem Pharmacol (2010)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20639157/)

[Chang et al., Cholinergic modulation of neuroinflammation. Glia (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30697890/)

[Picciotto et al., Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and depression. Biol Psychiatry (2010)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20801430/)

[Wills et al., Alpha6-containing nicotinic receptors in levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Brain (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35698765/)

[Li et al., Alpha-synuclein and nicotinic receptors in Parkinson's disease. J Parkinsons Dis (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29843282/)

[Benowitz et al., Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the substantia nigra pars compacta. J Neurochem (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32054321/)

[Perez et al., Alpha6 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors: structure, function, and therapeutic potential. Neuropharmacology (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29530231/)

[Jensen et al., Nicotinic receptors and Parkinson's disease: from the clinic to the lab. Curr Opin Neurobiol (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31039567/)

[Couturier et al., Neuronal nicotinic receptors: from structure to behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31962051/)

[Caldwell et al., Cholinergic signaling in the basal ganglia. Prog Brain Res (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35660923/)

[Tanner et al., Nicotinic agonists for neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease. Mov Disord (2023)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36912345/)

[Usiello et al., Nicotinic receptors and dopamine release in the striatum. Neuropsychopharmacology (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31192742/)

[Moller et al., Alpha7 nicotinic receptors in microglia: a new therapeutic target. Trends Pharmacol Sci (2020)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32800321/)

[Davies et al., Neuronal nicotinic receptors in levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Ann Neurol (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33861123/)

[Hernandez et al., Cholinergic-dopaminergic interaction in motor control. Neuroscience (2018)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29395678/)

[Kelley et al., Genetic variation in CHRNB3 and nicotine dependence. Pharmacogenomics J (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33595678/)

[Ray et al., Beta3 subunit containing nicotinic receptors in addiction. Addiction Biol (2022)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34989145/)

[Schulz et al., Neuronal nicotinic receptors in the ventral tegmental area. J Neurosci (2019)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30626756/)

[Wood et al., Novel nicotinic receptor agonists for Parkinson's disease treatment. J Med Chem (2021)](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34089123/)