mAChR M1 Activators

Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) are a class of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) found in various tissues throughout the body, including the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and other organs. Among the subtypes of mAChRs, M1 receptors hold a unique position due to their predominant expression in the central nervous system, particularly in regions associated with cognition and memory, making them an attractive target for pharmacological research. mAChR M1 activators are a class of compounds that specifically target and activate these M1 receptors.The M1 subtype of mAChRs is primarily responsible for mediating the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in the brain. When activated, M1 receptors stimulate intracellular signaling pathways, notably the phosphoinositide hydrolysis cascade, which leads to an increase in intracellular calcium and the activation of protein kinase C. These signaling events play a crucial role in modulating synaptic transmission, memory, and cognitive processes. Therefore, compounds designed to activate M1 receptors selectively are of particular interest for understanding the physiological and pathological roles of these receptors in the brain. Researchers have developed a variety of M1 activators, which can serve as valuable tools for studying the functional consequences of M1 receptor activation.