HTR2B Gene

HTR2B Gene

Introduction

Htr2B Gene is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.

Overview

<div class="infobox infobox-gene"> [@supsup2026a]
<table> [@supsup2026b]
<tr><th colspan="2" style="background:#4477AA; color:white; text-align:center">HTR2B</th></tr> [@supsup2018]
<tr><th>Full Name</th><td>5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor 2B</td></tr> [@supsup2017]
<tr><th>Chromosome</th><td>2q36.3</td></tr>
<tr><th>NCBI Gene ID</th><td>[3351](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3351)</td></tr>
<tr><th>OMIM</th><td>[601122](https://www.omim.org/entry/601122)</td></tr>
<tr><th>Ensembl ID</th><td>ENSG00000180264</td></tr>
<tr><th>UniProt ID</th><td>[Q9H3Y9](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9H3Y9)</td></tr>
<tr><th>Associated Diseases</th><td>Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Migraine, Pulmonary Hypertension</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

Function

HTR2B Gene

Introduction

Htr2B Gene is an important component in the neurobiology of neurodegenerative diseases. This page provides detailed information about its structure, function, and role in disease processes.

Overview

<div class="infobox infobox-gene"> [@supsup2026a]
<table> [@supsup2026b]
<tr><th colspan="2" style="background:#4477AA; color:white; text-align:center">HTR2B</th></tr> [@supsup2018]
<tr><th>Full Name</th><td>5-Hydroxytryptamine Receptor 2B</td></tr> [@supsup2017]
<tr><th>Chromosome</th><td>2q36.3</td></tr>
<tr><th>NCBI Gene ID</th><td>[3351](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3351)</td></tr>
<tr><th>OMIM</th><td>[601122](https://www.omim.org/entry/601122)</td></tr>
<tr><th>Ensembl ID</th><td>ENSG00000180264</td></tr>
<tr><th>UniProt ID</th><td>[Q9H3Y9](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9H3Y9)</td></tr>
<tr><th>Associated Diseases</th><td>Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Migraine, Pulmonary Hypertension</td></tr>
</table>
</div>

Function

The serotonin 2B receptor (5-HT2B) is a G protein-coupled receptor that primarily couples to Gq proteins, activating phospholipase C and leading to increased intracellular calcium. In the brain, 5-HT2B is expressed in the [cortex](/brain-regions/cortex), hippocampus, and basal ganglia. It plays roles in mood regulation, anxiety, and memory. Dysregulation of 5-HT2B signaling has been implicated in neurodegenerative processes through effects on neuroinflammation, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. Animal studies suggest that 5-HT2B modulation may have therapeutic potential in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

Gene Structure

The HTR2B gene is located on chromosome 2q36.3 and consists of 13 exons spanning approximately 16 kb. The gene encodes a protein of 481 amino acids with the characteristic seven-transmembrane domain structure of GPCRs. The promoter region contains binding sites for multiple transcription factors including SP1, AP-2, and CREB, allowing for tissue-specific expression and regulation.

Protein Structure

The 5-HT2B receptor is a Class A GPCR with:

• N-terminal extracellular domain: Contains glycosylation sites
• Seven transmembrane domains (TM1-TM7): Form the ligand-binding pocket
• Third intracellular loop: Contains the Gq protein coupling domain
• C-terminal intracellular tail: Contains serine/threonine residues for phosphorylation and β-arrestin recruitment

Expression Pattern

In the central nervous system, 5-HT2B is expressed in:

• Cerebral cortex: Pyramidal [neurons](/entities/neurons) in layers II-VI
• [Hippocampus](/brain-regions/hippocampus): CA1-CA3 pyramidal cells and dentate gyrus
• Basal ganglia: Striatum and nucleus accumbens
• Hypothalamus: Regulatory neurons
• Midbrain: Raphe nuclei and substantia nigra

• Cardiovascular system (heart, blood vessels)
• Liver and gastrointestinal tract
• Platelets and immune cells

Molecular Mechanisms

5-HT2B receptor signaling involves:

In neurons, 5-HT2B:

• Modulates [NMDA](/entities/nmda-receptor) receptor function
• Regulates GABA release
• Affects dopamine release in striatum
• Influences neurogenesis in hippocampus

Disease Associations

Alzheimer's Disease

• Increase Aβ production through [APP](/entities/app-protein) processing
• Promote neuroinflammation via microglial activation
• Modulate [tau](/proteins/tau) phosphorylation

Parkinson's Disease

• Levodopa-induced dyskinesias
• [Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/neuroinflammation) [Alpha-synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein) aggregation

Migraine

Pulmonary Hypertension

Therapeutic Implications

Animal Models

• Htr2b knockout mice: Show reduced anxiety, altered platelet function, and cardiac defects
• Transgenic 5-HT2B overexpression: Model for pulmonary hypertension and carcinoid syndrome
• Aβ-treated mice: 5-HT2B antagonists reduce amyloid pathology

Key Publications

See Also

• [Alzheimer's Disease](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
• [Parkinson's Disease](/diseases/parkinsons-disease)
• [Serotonin Signaling Pathway](/mechanisms/serotonin-signaling)
• [5-HT2 Receptors](/entities/5-ht2-receptors)
• [GPCR Signaling](/mechanisms/gpcr-signaling)
• [Neuroinflammation](/mechanisms/neuroinflammation)

Background

The study of Htr2B Gene has evolved significantly over the past decades. Research in this area has revealed important insights into the underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration and continues to drive therapeutic development.

Historical context and key discoveries in this field have shaped our current understanding and will continue to guide future research directions.

External Links

• [NCBI Gene Database](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/3351)
• [UniProt: Q9H3Y9](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/Q9H3Y9)
• [Ensembl: ENSG00000180264](https://www.ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/Gene/Summary?g=ENSG00000180264)
• [IUPHAR: 5-HT2B](https://www.guidetopharmacology.org/GRAC/FamilyIntroductionForward?familyId=34)

References