HTR2A

HTR2A, also known as the serotonin 2A receptor, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HTR2A gene. This gene is located on chromosome 13. The HTR2A gene provides instructions for making a receptor that is part of the serotonin receptor family. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that transmits signals between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body. These receptors are found on the surface of certain cells, particularly in the brain.

The HTR2A receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor, meaning it activates intracellular signaling pathways when a molecule like serotonin binds to it. This receptor plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including mood regulation, anxiety, cognition, and sensory perception. It is also implicated in the effects of psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin, which are known to act as agonists at this receptor.

Variations in the HTR2A gene have been associated with a range of neurological and psychiatric conditions, including schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Research into the HTR2A gene and its receptor continues to explore its involvement in these conditions and its potential as a therapeutic target for various mental health disorders. The HTR2A gene's function and its variations are areas of ongoing investigation in neuroscience and pharmacology.