Target intelligence / Profile preview

5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (5-HT2A) (5-HT2A)

Target
5-HT2A
Molecular classification
G protein-coupled receptor, Receptor, Serotonin receptor family, Class A GPCR
01

Overview

The 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A (5-HT2A) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that serves as a primary mediator of serotonin's effects in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues (UniProt P28223). It is highly expressed in the cerebral cortex, where it influences cognitive processes, mood, and perception (PubMed PMID: 25839398). In the periphery, the receptor facilitates platelet aggregation and smooth muscle contraction (PubChem CID 54675798). Clinically, 5-HT2A is a critical target for atypical antipsychotics like clozapine and risperidone, which function as antagonists or inverse agonists to manage schizophrenia (StatPearls). Furthermore, it is the principal site of action for serotonergic psychedelics, which are being explored for treatment-resistant depression (PubMed PMID: 32760815). Dysregulation of this receptor is implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders, including anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Other names
HTR2ASerotonin 2A receptor5-HT2 receptor5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2
02

Mechanism of action

Antagonism, inverse agonism, and agonism (partial and full) (StatPearls; PubMed PMID: 25839398)

03

Biological functions

Signal transductionNeuronal excitabilityVasoconstrictionPlatelet aggregationSleep regulationMood regulationPerception
04

Disease associations

SchizophreniaDepressionAnxietyObsessive-compulsive disorderAlzheimer's diseaseParkinson's disease psychosisMigraine
05

Safety considerations

Metabolic side effects (weight gain, dyslipidemia)Extrapyramidal symptomsQT interval prolongationSerotonin syndromeHallucinations and dissociative effects
06

Interacting drugs

Risperidone

8 more in the full profile.

07

Biomarkers

HTR2A gene polymorphisms (e.g., rs6311, rs6313)5-HT2A receptor occupancy via PET imaging (e.g., [11C]MDL 100,907)

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