A glia-derived acetylcholine-binding protein that modulates synaptic transmission

Glia-derived acetylcholine-binding protein (AChBP) modulates cholinergic synaptic transmission. The work identifies AChBP as a soluble, naturally occurring analogue of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ligand-binding domains: it forms a homopentamer with nicotinic ligand binding characteristics but lacks transmembrane ion-channel domains. The authors propose and support a mechanism where presynaptic acetylcholine triggers glial secretion of AChBP via the glial secretory pathway, releasing it into the synaptic cleft. They connect this to active regulation of cholinergic signaling in the central nervous system.