Adenosine deaminase, RNA-specific, B1 (ADARB1)

Adenosine deaminase, RNA-specific, B1 (ADARB1, commonly known as ADAR2) is an **RNA-editing enzyme** that catalyzes the **site-specific deamination of adenosine to inosine (A-to-I) within double-stranded RNA substrates**, with important roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation[1][2]. Its activity includes the editing of **pre-mRNA for key neurotransmitter receptors, such as the glutamate receptor subunit B (GRIA2),** affecting neuronal signaling and brain function[1]. ADARB1 also edits microRNA precursors, thereby altering microRNA biogenesis and downstream regulatory networks[1][2]. Dysregulation of ADARB1-mediated editing has been reported in **cancers—particularly glioblastoma, bladder, astrocytoma, and colorectal cancers—** as well as some neurological disorders[2]. ADARB1 features distinct double-stranded RNA binding domains conferring substrate specificity, and impacts both coding and non-coding RNA editing in the nucleus, influencing mRNA splicing, stability, and the diversity of the transcriptome[1][2]. No drugs directly targeting ADARB1 are currently used clinically, but its role in RNA processing has made it a subject of research in **cancer biology and neurobiology**[1][2].

Other names

Double-stranded RNA-specific editase 1ADAR2DRADA2RED1DRABA2hRED1ADAR2aADAR2bADAR2cADAR2dRNA-editing deaminase 1RNA-editing enzyme 1dsRNA adenosine deaminaseRED1 homolog (rat)

Site-specific deamination of adenosine bases to inosine in double-stranded RNA; Alteration of codon usage and alternative splicing through A-to-I editing; Modulation of stability and activity for pri-miRNA, mRNA, and noncoding RNAs