CHRNB1

The protein encoded by CHRNB1 is nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit beta-1 (nAChR β1), commonly known as CHRNB1 or beta-1 nicotinic receptor. As a key subunit of muscle-type nAChRs, it forms pentameric ligand-gated ion channels at the neuromuscular junction. Acetylcholine binding triggers channel opening, allowing Na+ and K+ flux to initiate depolarization and muscle contraction, underpinning neuromuscular signal transduction.
Dysfunction of CHRNB1 is associated with myasthenia gravis—autoantibodies target nAChR complexes, impairing muscle function—and congenital myasthenic syndromes. Drug development includes cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., neostigmine) for myasthenia gravis, while ongoing research explores nAChR modulators to address neuromuscular and neurological disorders.