Recombinant Human HTR1A

Background

HTR1A, a subtype of the serotonin receptor family, is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) responsible for mediating the effects of serotonin (5-HT), a neurotransmitter essential for regulating mood, anxiety, and behavior. Predominantly expressed in the central nervous system, particularly in regions such as the hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and raphe nuclei, HTR1A plays a key role in modulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission. Activation of HTR1A leads to the inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, reducing cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels and promoting cellular hyperpolarization, which reduces neuronal firing. Dysregulation of HTR1A has been associated with mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, making it a key target for anxiolytic and antidepressant drugs such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and buspirone. Additionally, HTR1A is involved in neurogenesis, stress response regulation, and cognitive function. Emerging evidence suggests that HTR1A also has neuroprotective properties by reducing oxidative stress, modulating mitochondrial function, and preventing apoptosis in neurons. HTR1A's diverse roles in mood regulation, stress resilience, and cognitive function make it a significant therapeutic target for treating mood disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and cognitive dysfunction. Ongoing research is investigating its potential for enhancing neuroplasticity and stress resilience in mental health disorders.