Full name: cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 3 subunit

Gene type: protein coding

RefSeq status: REVIEWED

Also known as: BAIPRCK; LNCR2; NACHRA3; PAOD2

Summary: This locus encodes a member of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor family of proteins. Members of this family of proteins form pentameric complexes comprised of both alpha and beta subunits. This locus encodes an alpha-type subunit, as it contains characteristic adjacent cysteine residues. The encoded protein is a ligand-gated ion channel that likely plays a role in neurotransmission. Polymorphisms in this gene have been associated with an increased risk of smoking initiation and an increased susceptibility to lung cancer. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described. [provided by RefSeq, Nov 2009]

Expression: Biased expression in adrenal (RPKM 16.5), appendix (RPKM 2.4) and 2 other tissues

Gene size: 27945bp

Exon count: 9