Automated description from the Alliance of Genome Resources (Release 7.1.0)
Enables acetylcholine-gated monoatomic cation-selective channel activity. Acts upstream of or within several processes, including behavioral response to nicotine; chemical synaptic transmission; and regulation of acetylcholine secretion, neurotransmission. Part of acetylcholine-gated channel complex. Is active in cholinergic synapse and postsynaptic specialization membrane. Is expressed in several structures, including central nervous system; gut; myenteric nerve plexus; paravertebral ganglion; and retina. Human ortholog(s) of this gene implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; lung cancer (multiple); nicotine dependence; and stomach cancer. Orthologous to human CHRNA3 (cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha 3 subunit).