DRD4: A Drug Target / Disease Biomarker (G1815)

Target Name: DRD4

NCBI ID: G1815

DRD4: A Drug Target / Disease Biomarker

DRD4, short for dopamine receptor D4, is a protein that is expressed in the brain and plays a crucial role in the transmission of dopamine signals in the nervous system. It is also a potential drug target for various psychiatric and neurological disorders. In this article, we will discuss DRD4 and its role in the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

DRD4 is a transmembrane protein that is composed of four subunits. It is expressed in the brain and plays a critical role in the transmission of dopamine signals from the dopamine-producing neurons to the dopamine receptors. The primary function of DRD4 is to regulate the release of dopamine from the vesicles, which are the packaging structures of the neurotransmitters in the brain.

DRD4 is a receptor for dopamine, which is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in the transmission of signals in the nervous system. Dopamine is involved in various processes in the brain, including motivation, pleasure, and movement control. It is also involved in the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

DRD4 has been implicated in the development and maintenance of various psychiatric and neurological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. Studies have shown that individuals with schizophrenia, a serious mental disorder that is characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and social dysfunction, have lower levels of DRD4 in the brain compared to healthy individuals.

In addition to its role in the development of psychiatric and neurological disorders, DRD4 is also a potential drug target. The use of dopamine agonists, which are drugs that enhance the effects of dopamine, has been shown to be effective in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety. Dopamine agonists work by increasing the levels of dopamine in the brain, which can help to improve the mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

DRD4 has also been shown to be involved in the treatment of other psychiatric and neurological disorders, including chronic pain and addiction. Chronic pain is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including musculoskeletal injuries, cancer, and neurological disorders. DRD4 has been shown to play a role in the treatment of chronic pain by modulating the release of pain-causing chemicals from the neurons.

In addition to its potential as a drug target, DRD4 is also an attractive biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders. The levels of DRD4 have been shown to be abnormal in individuals with various psychiatric and neurological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia. This suggests that DRD4 may be a useful diagnostic tool for these disorders and may also be a potential target for drug treatment.

In conclusion, DRD4 is a protein that is expressed in the brain and plays a critical role in the transmission of dopamine signals in the nervous system. It is also a potential drug target for various psychiatric and neurological disorders and has been implicated in the development and maintenance of these disorders. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of DRD4 in the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Protein Name: Dopamine Receptor D4

Functions: Dopamine receptor responsible for neuronal signaling in the mesolimbic system of the brain, an area of the brain that regulates emotion and complex behavior. Activated by dopamine, but also by epinephrine and norepinephrine, and by numerous synthetic agonists and drugs (PubMed:9003072, PubMed:16423344, PubMed:27659709, PubMed:29051383). Agonist binding triggers signaling via G proteins that inhibit adenylyl cyclase (PubMed:7512953, PubMed:7643093, PubMed:16423344, PubMed:27659709, PubMed:29051383). Modulates the circadian rhythm of contrast sensitivity by regulating the rhythmic expression of NPAS2 in the retinal ganglion cells (By similarity)

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