Features：hM3Dq is an engineered receptor (DREADD) derived from the human muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 (hM3D) that responds only to CNO and is no longer activated by acetylcholine. In certain neurons, CNO binding to hM3D activates Gq protein-coupled phospholipase PLCβ, leading to the degradation of PIP2. This, in turn, opens KCNQ outward potassium channels, which are normally closed by PIP2, causing cell membrane depolarization and the generation of action potentials.
