HCRTR2
Description
The HCRTR2 (hypocretin receptor 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 6.
Orexin receptor type 2 (Ox2R or OX2), also known as hypocretin receptor type 2 (HcrtR2), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the HCRTR2 gene. It should not be confused for the protein CD200R1 which shares the alias OX2R but is a distinct, unrelated gene located on the human chromosome 3. The structure of the receptor has been solved to 2.5 Å resolution as a fusion protein bound to suvorexant using lipid-mediated crystallization. OX2 is a G-protein coupled receptor expressed exclusively in the brain. It has 64% identity with OX1. OX2 binds both orexin A and orexin B neuropeptides. OX2 is involved in the central feedback mechanism that regulates feeding behaviour. Mice with enhanced OX2 signaling are resistant to high-fat diet-induced obesity. This receptor is activated by Hipocretin, which is a wake-promoting hypothalamic neuropeptide that acts as a critical regulator of sleep in animals as Zebrafish or Mammals. This protein has mutations in Astyanax mexicanus that reduces the sleep needs of the cavefish.
HCRTR2 is also known as ORXR2, OX2R, OXR2.
