OXTR
Description
The OXTR (oxytocin receptor) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3.
The oxytocin receptor, also known as OXTR, is a protein that acts as a receptor for the hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin. It is encoded by the OXTR gene located on human chromosome 3p25. The OXTR protein belongs to the G-protein coupled receptor family, specifically Gq, and its activity is mediated by G proteins that activate various second messenger systems. Oxytocin receptors are expressed in the mammary gland, uterus, and central nervous system. The oxytocin-oxytocin receptor system plays a crucial role in uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection. In the brain, OXTR is believed to be involved in social, cognitive, and emotional behavior. Reduced expression of OXTR due to methylation of the gene is associated with traits like callousness, rigid thinking, and difficulties with emotional processing. A reduction in this gene is also linked to prenatal stress, postnatal depression, and social anxiety.
OXTR is also known as OT-R, OTR.
