HTR2B
HTR2B (5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B, also known as 5-HT2B or 5-HT(2B)) is a G protein-coupled receptor for serotonin. It signals through G(q)/G(11) proteins and contributes to neural, cardiac, vascular and skeletal biology. Browse Assay Genie's current range of HTR2B research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
HTR2B is a G protein-coupled receptor for 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin). It also acts as a receptor for various ergot alkaloid derivatives and psychoactive substances. Ligand binding causes a conformational change that triggers signalling through guanine nucleotide-binding proteins and modulates downstream effectors. The receptor is coupled to G(q)/G(11) alpha proteins and activates phospholipase C-beta. This releases the second messengers diacylglycerol (DAG) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3). DAG modulates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity, while IP3 promotes the release of Ca(2+) ions from intracellular stores. Beta-arrestin family members inhibit G protein signalling and mediate activation of alternative pathways.
In the nervous system, HTR2B plays a role in regulating dopamine and serotonin release, serotonin uptake and extracellular levels of both transmitters, and so affects neural activity. It may contribute to pain perception and plays a role in the regulation of behaviour, including impulsive behaviour. Outside the brain, it is required for normal proliferation of embryonic cardiac myocytes and for heart development, and it protects cardiomyocytes against apoptosis. It contributes to vasoconstriction and to the adaptation of pulmonary arteries to chronic hypoxia. It is also required for normal osteoblast function and proliferation, for maintaining normal bone density, and for proliferation of the interstitial cells of Cajal in the intestine.
The HTR2B gene encodes a member of the G protein-coupled receptor 1 family, one of several serotonin receptors. Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter, a hormone and a mitogen. Population and family-based analyses of a minor allele, a glutamine-to-stop substitution designated Q20*, which blocks expression of the protein, together with mouse knockout studies, suggest a role in impulsivity. Other factors, such as elevated testosterone levels, may also be involved. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been described. Mouse and rat both carry an Htr2b ortholog.
HTR2B influences dopamine and serotonin release and uptake, and is linked to the regulation of impulsive behaviour and possibly pain perception.
The receptor is required for proliferation of embryonic cardiac myocytes and normal heart development, and it protects cardiomyocytes against apoptosis.
HTR2B contributes to vasoconstriction and to the adaptation of pulmonary arteries to chronic hypoxia.
HTR2B is needed for normal osteoblast function and bone density, and for proliferation of intestinal interstitial cells of Cajal.
HTR2B is a serotonin-activated G protein-coupled receptor that signals through G(q)/G(11) and phospholipase C-beta, generating DAG and IP3 and releasing intracellular Ca(2+). It helps regulate neurotransmitter levels, behaviour, heart development, vasoconstriction and bone density.
HTR2B is also written 5-HT2B or 5-HT(2B), and the full name is 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B. Earlier HGNC names described it as 5-hydroxytryptamine (serotonin) receptor 2B, G protein-coupled. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been reported for the gene.
Mouse and rat each have an Htr2b ortholog, and mouse knockout studies point to a role in impulsivity. In humans, the Q20* stop-gain allele blocks expression and is associated with impulsivity. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other serotonin receptor family members with products at Assay Genie, spanning G protein-coupled and ligand-gated subtypes.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt P41595; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.