The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) plays a major role in shaping the activity of neuronal circuits and contributes to the pathophysiology of several neurological disorders. Following cDNA library screening, the authors identify anti-apoptotic, Bcl-2 family proteins as enhancers of α7 nAChR assembly, acting through an intracellular BH3-like domain during receptor biogenesis in the endoplasmic reticulum.
- G. Brent Dawe
- Hong Yu
- David S. Bredt