Single molecule fluorescence imaging of synaptic nicotinic receptors reveals nicotine-induced stoichiometric shifts

Membrane receptors are expressed in the plasma membrane of the cell. These molecules interact with the external environment to trigger internal subcellular processes such as signal transduction, metabolism, and other chemical processes. Because of their diverse role in physiological processes, these receptors are very important in pathological conditions such as diseases and addiction. Both External and endogenous molecules are shown to affect the expression of membrane receptors. For example, both nicotine and acetylcholine upregulate nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expression.