A novel subtype of muscarinic receptor identified by homology screening

• Published in: Biochemical and biophysical research communications Vol. 149; no. 1; pp. 125 - 132
• Main Authors: Braun, Thomas, Schofield, Peter R., Shivers, Brenda D., Pritchett, Dolan B., Seeburg, Peter H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Diego, CA Elsevier Inc 30.11.1987; Elsevier
• Subjects: acetylcholine; Amino Acid Sequence; Animals; Applied sciences; Base Sequence; brain; Brain - metabolism; DNA - genetics; DNA, Recombinant; Exact sciences and technology; GTP-Binding Proteins - metabolism; Molecular Sequence Data; Nucleic Acid Hybridization; Other techniques and industries; Quinuclidinyl Benzilate - metabolism; Rats; Receptors, Muscarinic - genetics; Receptors, Muscarinic - metabolism; RNA, Messenger - genetics; RNA, Messenger - metabolism; Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid; Tissue Distribution
• ISSN: 0006-291X; 1090-2104
• DOI: 10.1016/0006-291X(87)91613-5

A new member of the protein superfamily of G-protein coupled receptors has been isolated by homology screening. By virtue of its homology with other muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and its ability to bind muscarinic specific antagonists, this muscarinic receptor subtype is designated M4. The M4 mRNA is preferentially expressed in certain brain regions. The existence of multiple receptor subtypes encoded by distinct genes in the brain has functional implications for the molecular mechanisms underlying information transmission in neuronal networks.