Dopamine receptor D4: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 12:09, 15 February 2025

Dopamine Receptor D4[edit]

The dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) is a G protein-coupled receptor that is encoded by the DRD4 gene in humans. It is one of the five types of dopamine receptors, which are responsible for the physiological effects of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The D4 receptor is of particular interest due to its role in the modulation of cognition, emotion, and behavior.

Structure[edit]

The D4 receptor is a member of the D2-like receptor family, which also includes the dopamine receptor D2 and dopamine receptor D3. These receptors are characterized by their ability to inhibit the enzyme adenylyl cyclase through the activation of Gi/o proteins. The D4 receptor has a high degree of polymorphism, particularly in the third intracellular loop, which may influence its function and expression.

Function[edit]

D4 receptors are primarily found in the frontal cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus, and hippocampus. They play a crucial role in modulating synaptic transmission and are involved in the regulation of mood, attention, and reward. The D4 receptor has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Ligands[edit]

D4 receptors can be targeted by various ligands, which can act as either agonists or antagonists. Agonists such as apomorphine and dopamine itself activate the receptor, while antagonists like clozapine and haloperidol inhibit its activity. The development of selective D4 receptor ligands is an area of active research, with potential therapeutic applications in treating psychiatric disorders.

Clinical Significance[edit]

The D4 receptor has been studied extensively in the context of pharmacogenetics, as variations in the DRD4 gene have been associated with differences in drug response and susceptibility to certain disorders. For example, the 7-repeat allele of the DRD4 gene has been linked to an increased risk of ADHD and novelty seeking behavior.

Related Pages[edit]

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-'''Dopamine receptor D4''' (DRD4) is a [[G protein-coupled receptor]] encoded by the DRD4 gene located on chromosome 11. It is one of several receptors for the [[neurotransmitter]] [[dopamine]], which is involved in a wide range of neurological processes. The D4 receptor is particularly notable for its role in the modulation of [[brain]] function and its association with certain psychological conditions and behaviors.
+== Dopamine Receptor D4 ==
-==Structure and Function==
+[[File:D4_ligands.png|thumb|right|300px|Chemical structure of various D4 ligands.]]
-The DRD4 receptor is characterized by a high degree of structural variability, which is largely due to a polymorphic region in the gene that can vary in the number of repeat sequences it contains. This variability in the DRD4 gene has been linked to differences in receptor function and expression. The receptor itself is involved in the inhibition of [[adenylate cyclase]], which reduces levels of [[cAMP]] and leads to various downstream effects on neuronal activity.
-In terms of function, DRD4 is implicated in the modulation of [[neurotransmission]], [[neuroplasticity]], and [[behavior]]. It is expressed in several brain regions, including the [[prefrontal cortex]], [[hippocampus]], and [[amygdala]], areas known for their involvement in cognition, emotion, and decision-making.
+The '''dopamine receptor D4''' (DRD4) is a [[G protein-coupled receptor]] that is encoded by the DRD4 gene in humans. It is one of the five types of [[dopamine receptor]]s, which are responsible for the physiological effects of the neurotransmitter [[dopamine]]. The D4 receptor is of particular interest due to its role in the modulation of [[cognition]], [[emotion]], and [[behavior]].
-==Clinical Significance==
+== Structure ==
-The DRD4 receptor has been the subject of extensive research due to its association with various psychological traits and disorders. Variations in the DRD4 gene, particularly the 7-repeat variant of the receptor, have been linked to a higher risk of [[attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)]], certain personality traits such as novelty seeking, and susceptibility to addiction. However, the relationship between DRD4 and these conditions is complex and influenced by multiple genetic and environmental factors.
-==Pharmacology==
+The D4 receptor is a member of the D2-like receptor family, which also includes the [[dopamine receptor D2]] and [[dopamine receptor D3]]. These receptors are characterized by their ability to inhibit the enzyme [[adenylyl cyclase]] through the activation of [[Gi/o proteins]]. The D4 receptor has a high degree of polymorphism, particularly in the third intracellular loop, which may influence its function and expression.
-Pharmacologically, the DRD4 receptor is a target for several drugs, including some antipsychotics and antidepressants. These drugs can bind to the receptor with varying degrees of affinity and efficacy, influencing dopamine signaling and thereby altering mood, cognition, and behavior.
-==Research Directions==
+== Function ==
-Ongoing research into the DRD4 receptor continues to uncover its role in the brain and its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions. Studies are exploring the impact of DRD4 on cognitive processes such as learning and memory, as well as its involvement in psychiatric and neurological disorders beyond ADHD, including [[schizophrenia]] and [[Parkinson's disease]].
+D4 receptors are primarily found in the [[frontal cortex]], [[amygdala]], [[hypothalamus]], and [[hippocampus]]. They play a crucial role in modulating synaptic transmission and are involved in the regulation of [[mood]], [[attention]], and [[reward]]. The D4 receptor has been implicated in various [[neuropsychiatric disorders]], including [[schizophrenia]], [[bipolar disorder]], and [[attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]] (ADHD).
+== Ligands ==
+[[File:D4_ligands.png|thumb|left|300px|Examples of D4 receptor ligands.]]
+D4 receptors can be targeted by various ligands, which can act as either agonists or antagonists. Agonists such as [[apomorphine]] and [[dopamine]] itself activate the receptor, while antagonists like [[clozapine]] and [[haloperidol]] inhibit its activity. The development of selective D4 receptor ligands is an area of active research, with potential therapeutic applications in treating [[psychiatric disorders]].
+== Clinical Significance ==
+The D4 receptor has been studied extensively in the context of [[pharmacogenetics]], as variations in the DRD4 gene have been associated with differences in drug response and susceptibility to certain disorders. For example, the 7-repeat allele of the DRD4 gene has been linked to an increased risk of ADHD and [[novelty seeking]] behavior.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Dopamine receptor]]
+* [[G protein-coupled receptor]]
+* [[Neurotransmitter]]
+* [[Schizophrenia]]
+* [[Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]]
+[[Category:Dopamine receptors]]
 [[Category:G protein-coupled receptors]]
-[[Category:Dopamine receptors]]
+[[Category:Neurotransmitter receptors]]
-[[Category:Genes on human chromosome 11]]
-{{Neuroscience-stub}}