ADORA2B
ADORA2B: A Versatile Regulator in Health and Disease
Description
ADORA2B is a member of the adenosine receptor family, which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in the body. This G protein-coupled receptor binds to adenosine, a purine nucleoside that acts as a signaling molecule in the immune response, cellular metabolism, and neurotransmission.
ADORA2B is widely expressed throughout the body, including the brain, immune cells, and cardiovascular system. It is particularly abundant in microglia, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, and in immune effector cells like neutrophils and macrophages.
Associated Diseases
Dysregulation of ADORA2B has been implicated in several human diseases:
- Autoimmune Disorders: ADORA2B plays a role in immune tolerance and inflammation. Mutations or alterations in the gene encoding ADORA2B have been linked to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
- Cardiovascular Disease: ADORA2B is involved in regulating blood pressure and heart rate. Impaired ADORA2B signaling can contribute to hypertension, arrhythmias, and cardiac dysfunction.
- Neurological Disorders: ADORA2B is highly expressed in the brain and modulates synaptic plasticity and neuroinflammation. Aberrant ADORA2B function has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer‘s disease.
- Inflammatory Conditions: ADORA2B regulates the inflammatory response in immune cells. Dysregulation of this receptor can lead to chronic inflammation and the development of diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.
Did you Know ?
According to a recent study published in Nature Medicine, individuals with a variant of the ADORA2B gene that results in decreased receptor activity have a 25% increased risk of developing multiple sclerosis. This association highlights the important role of ADORA2B in immune regulation and autoimmune disease susceptibility.
