Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.0.0)
Enables acetylcholine-gated monoatomic cation-selective channel activity. Involved in several processes, including plasma membrane bounded cell projection organization; positive regulation of cell communication; and regulation of protein metabolic process. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including behavioral response to ethanol; learning or memory; and negative regulation of cytokine production. Located in apical plasma membrane; axolemma; and external side of plasma membrane. Is active in cholinergic synapse; postsynaptic specialization membrane; and presynaptic membrane. Is expressed in several structures, including adrenal gland; alimentary system; nervous system; retina; and thymus. Used to study schizophrenia. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; esophagus squamous cell carcinoma; respiratory system cancer (multiple); and schizophrenia. Orthologous to human CHRFAM7A (CHRNA7 (exons 5-10) and FAM7A (exons A-E) fusion) and CHRNA7 (cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 7 subunit).