Nicotine Up-regulates nAChRs (1 of 2) (VIDEO)

Rockefeller University Press

Caption

This video animation shows how nicotine acts as a chaperone for receptors called nAChRs in neurons, promoting their exit from the ER and eventually increasing their abundance at the plasma membrane. Nicotine-mediated activation of nAChRs also depends on the COPI machinery involved in Golgi–ER transport of nAChRs. The findings could help form new strategies for smoking cessation and neuroprotection against Parkinson's disease.

Credit

Mary O'Reilly, O'Reilly Science Art

Usage Restrictions

Reporters may freely use these materials in news coverage, with the appropriate credit information.

License

Licensed content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.