ADRA2A
ADRA2A: Unlocking the Potential of Neuromodulation
Description
Adenosine A2A receptor (adra2a) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that binds to adenosine, a neuromodulator that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, including sleep, cognition, and inflammation.
adra2a is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in the striatum, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus. It is also found in peripheral tissues, such as the heart, lungs, and immune cells.
Associated Diseases
Dysregulation of adra2a signaling is implicated in a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, including:
- Parkinson‘s disease: Overactivation of adra2a can worsen motor symptoms and lead to the development of levodopa-induced dyskinesia.
- Schizophrenia: Reduced adra2a activity in the hippocampus is associated with cognitive deficits and positive symptoms.
- Addiction: Adra2a activation plays a role in the rewarding effects of drugs of abuse, contributing to addiction.
- Anxiety disorders: Adra2a antagonism has anxiolytic effects, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
- Neuroinflammation: Adra2a activation can suppress inflammation, making it a promising target for treating neuroinflammatory diseases.
Did you Know ?
According to research published in the journal "Nature", alterations in adra2a function are estimated to contribute to over 400 million cases of neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders worldwide.
