The nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are members of a superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels that mediate fast signal transmission at synapses.

The protein encoded by this gene forms a homo-oligomeric channel, displays marked permeability to calcium ions and is a major component of brain nicotinic receptors that are blocked by, and highly sensitive to, alpha-bungarotoxin.

Once this receptor binds acetylcholine, it undergoes an extensive change in conformation that affects all subunits and leads to opening of an ion-conducting channel across the plasma membrane.

[6] Disruption of alpha-7 nicotinic receptors in schizophrenia is believed to contribute at least in part to the abnormally high prevalence of extremely heavy smoking in those affected by the disease.

This observed particularly high nicotine intake compared to the average smoker is hypothesized to be a subconscious effort to activate the low-affinity alpha-7 receptors.