5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2C (5-HT2C) (5-HT2C)

The 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2C (5-HT2C) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) primarily expressed in the central nervous system, with high concentrations in the choroid plexus, hippocampus, and hypothalamus [UniProt: P28335]. It serves as a key mediator of serotonin's effects on energy balance, mood, and reward-related behaviors [PMID: 21155766]. Activation of 5-HT2C receptors on pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus leads to decreased food intake and increased satiety, making it a significant target for anti-obesity medications [NCBI: Gene ID 3358]. Conversely, the receptor's modulation of dopaminergic and noradrenergic activity in the mesolimbic and nigrostriatal pathways links it to the pathophysiology of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia [PMID: 15148317]. Many atypical antipsychotics, such as clozapine and olanzapine, act as potent 5-HT2C antagonists, which contributes to their therapeutic profile but also to side effects like weight gain [PubChem: CID 5284448]. Additionally, the 5-HT2C receptor is unique among GPCRs for undergoing extensive pre-mRNA editing, which produces multiple isoforms with distinct signaling properties that may influence individual susceptibility to psychiatric disorders [PMID: 10601450].

Other names

HTR2CSerotonin receptor 2C5-HT2C receptor5-HTR2C5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor

Agonism of the 5-HT2C receptor stimulates pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons in the hypothalamus to promote satiety and weight loss [PMID: 21155766]. Conversely, antagonism of the receptor is a common feature of atypical antipsychotics and certain antidepressants, which helps modulate dopaminergic and noradrenergic pathways to alleviate psychiatric symptoms [PubChem: CID 5284448].