A new "era" for the α7-nAChR.

The α7-nAChR plays critical roles in numerous organs and cells by regulating highly organ and cell typespecific functions. In this special issue different Authors have contributed to clarify the different roles played by the α7- nAChR. Post-translational processes such as receptor "underactivation" or "overactivation" are associated in the central nervous system with brain disorders including neurodegeneration, while also contributing to the regulation of nonneuronal cells and cancers derived from them. Current advances in the knowledge of α7-nAChR biology encourage the exploitation of this receptor as a therapeutic target for a variety of diseases, including Alzheimer's, disease, Parkinson's disease, cognitive decline, pain and cancer.