title: Alpha-7 Nicotinic Receptors in Nervous System Disorders: From Function to Therapeutic Perspectives.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The α7 nicotinic receptor consists of identical subunits and is one of the most abundant acetylcholine receptors in the mammalian central nervous system. However its expression is also found in the peripheral nervous system as well as in the immune system and various peripheral tissues. Nicotinic Receptors: They are involved in the regulation of several activities ranging from excitatory neurotransmission, the modulation of the release of several neurotransmitters, regulation of neurite outgrowth, and even neuronal survival/death. Its expression is found in brain areas that underlie learning and memory, suggesting their involvement in regulating cognitive functions. The α7-nicotinic receptor has a strategic role during development in regulating molecular pathways activated during neurogenesis. Because of its pleiotropic effects, receptor dysfunction or dysregulated expression is found in pathophysiological conditions of the nervous system including neurodegenerative diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Here we review the physiological and pathological roles of alpha-7 nicotinic receptor in different nervous system disorders and the current therapeutic strategies developed to target selectively this receptor for potentiating or reducing its functions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology and Biotechnologies C. Darwin, Research Center of Neurobiology Daniel Bovet, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Jaco
authors.affiliation: Cytogenetics Laboratory.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bernardini
authors.affiliation: iPS-Cellular Reprogramming Unit, Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, IRCCS, San Giovanni, Rotondo and Mendel Institut, Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rosati
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie Charles Darwin, Centro di ricerca in Neurobiologia Daniel Bovet "Sapienza", Università di Roma, P.le A. Moro, 5-00185 Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: Ada Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Tata
mesh_terms: D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D018678:Cholinergic Agents / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D064569:alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D018678:Cholinergic Agents; D064569:alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
keywords: Alzheimer's; autism; intellectual disabilities; neurological disorders; nicotinic receptors; schizophrenia; α-7subunits