DRD

DRD is commonly used in biology and medicine to denote the dopamine receptor D family, a set of G protein-coupled receptors that bind the neurotransmitter dopamine. The family comprises five subtypes, encoded by the genes DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, and DRD5. These receptors are divided into two functional groups: D1-like receptors (DRD1 and DRD5) activate adenylyl cyclase via Gs proteins, increasing cyclic AMP; D2-like receptors (DRD2, DRD3, DRD4) inhibit adenylyl cyclase via Gi/o, reducing cAMP. The receptors have distinct but overlapping distributions in the brain, notably in the striatum, prefrontal cortex, and limbic regions, where they modulate motor control, reward, motivation, and cognition.

Genetic variation in DRD genes has been associated with susceptibility to several neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, and Parkinson's disease. Animal models and human studies have helped clarify the roles of individual subtypes in behavior and disease.

Pharmacology: Many antipsychotic drugs act as antagonists or partial agonists at D2 receptors, a primary mechanism in reducing psychotic symptoms. Dopaminergic therapies for Parkinson's disease aim to restore dopamine signaling, often affecting DRD2 and DRD3 activity among others. Subtype-selective compounds, particularly for DRD3 and DRD4, have been explored as treatments for negative symptoms, addiction, and cognitive dysfunction.

Beyond neuroscience, DRD may appear as an acronym in other contexts; in scientific literature, however, it most commonly refers to the dopamine receptor D family.