After binding acetylcholine, the AChR responds by an extensive change in conformation that affects all subunits and leads to opening of an ion-conducting channel across the plasma membrane. Neuronal AChR seems to be composed of two different type of subunits: alpha and non-alpha (beta). Interacts with LYPD6 (PubMed:27344019). Genetic variations in CHRNA5 have been associated with susceptibility to smoking-related behavioral traits and lung cancer, contributing to the smoking quantitative trait locus 3 (SQTL3) [MIM:612052]. Belongs to the ligand-gated ion channel (TC 1.A.9) family. Acetylcholine receptor (TC 1.A.9.1) subfamily. Alpha-5/CHRNA5 sub-subfamily.