Serotonin receptor 2A and Serotonin receptor 2C (5-HT2A, 5-HT2C)

Serotonin receptor 2A (5-HT2A) and Serotonin receptor 2C (5-HT2C) are closely related G protein-coupled receptors that mediate the actions of serotonin in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues.[2][3] 5-HT2A is a principal target for psychedelic drugs and many antipsychotics, and plays a major role in mood, cognition, and perception[3][5]. 5-HT2C is central to appetite regulation and is a therapeutic target for anti-obesity drugs, as well as being implicated in mood and endocrine regulation[2][6]. These receptors can form functional complexes (heterodimers), and both are implicated in psychiatric, metabolic, and cognitive disorders, making them significant in neuropharmacology and therapeutics[7][9].

Other names

5-HT2A receptor5-HT2C receptorHTR2A (gene, for 2A)HTR2C (gene, for 2C)Serotonin 2A receptorSerotonin 2C receptor

Agonists activate Gq/11 protein signaling, increase IP3/DAG, elevate intracellular calcium, modulate neurotransmission\nAntagonists block activation, reducing downstream effects\nSome ligands (e.g., LSD) trigger β-arrestin recruitment (biased agonism)\n5-HT2A/2C heterodimer interactions can modulate receptor function