Recombinant Human HTR2B Protein: Properties & Research Uses

Recombinant Human HTR2B Protein is a G protein-coupled serotonin receptor subtype produced recombinantly for use in pharmacological, biochemical, and drug-discovery research applications.

Product Name

Recombinant Human HTR2B Protein

SKU

rp370104

Protein Family

G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), Serotonin receptor family

Also Known As

5-HT2B receptor, Serotonin receptor 2B, 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B

Species

Human (Homo sapiens)

Primary Research Areas

Serotonin signaling, GPCR pharmacology, cardiovascular biology, drug discovery

Supplier Reference

absea#PP-4428

Introduction to HTR2B and Its Biological Significance

HTR2B (5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2B) is a member of the serotonin receptor superfamily and belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. It is encoded by the HTR2B gene and is expressed in various human tissues, including the cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal tract, and central nervous system. Upon activation by serotonin (5-HT), HTR2B signals primarily through the Gq/11 pathway, leading to phospholipase C activation and downstream second-messenger cascades involving inositol trisphosphate and diacylglycerol.

The receptor plays an important role in cardiac development and function, smooth muscle contraction, and neuronal modulation. Dysregulation of HTR2B signaling has been implicated in cardiac valvulopathy, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and impulsive behavior. As a validated drug target, HTR2B is of significant interest in therapeutic areas including cardiovascular medicine, psychiatry, and metabolic disease research.

Biochemical Properties of Recombinant Human HTR2B Protein

Recombinant Human HTR2B Protein (SKU: rp370104) is produced using recombinant expression technology to provide researchers with a consistent, high-quality source of this GPCR for in vitro studies. As a seven-transmembrane domain receptor, HTR2B presents particular challenges for recombinant production due to its hydrophobic transmembrane regions, and specialized expression systems are typically employed to ensure proper folding and functional integrity.

Key biochemical attributes of the recombinant protein include its capacity to bind serotonin and selective ligands, its association with heterotrimeric G proteins, and its ability to support downstream signaling assays. Researchers should verify lot-specific quality control data—such as purity, activity, and formulation details—provided on the product datasheet accompanying SKU rp370104, as these parameters may vary between production lots.

Proper storage conditions (typically at -80°C with avoidance of repeated freeze-thaw cycles) are essential for maintaining protein activity. Carrier proteins or stabilizing additives may be included in the formulation; consult the certificate of analysis for exact composition.

Research Applications of Recombinant Human HTR2B Protein

Recombinant Human HTR2B Protein is a versatile reagent supporting a broad range of research applications in serotonin receptor biology and GPCR pharmacology:

• Ligand Binding Assays: The recombinant protein can be used to characterize the binding affinity and selectivity of small-molecule compounds, enabling structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies for drug discovery programs targeting 5-HT2B.
• Functional Signaling Studies: Researchers can assess receptor-mediated G protein activation, second-messenger production (e.g., IP1 accumulation, calcium mobilization), and downstream effector engagement using the recombinant protein in reconstituted systems.
• Antibody Validation: Recombinant HTR2B serves as a positive control antigen for validating anti-HTR2B antibodies in ELISA, Western blot, and immunoprecipitation experiments.
• Drug Safety and Off-Target Profiling: Given the association of HTR2B agonism with cardiac valvulopathy, the protein is used in safety pharmacology panels to assess off-target liability of drug candidates.
• Structural Biology: The recombinant protein may support efforts in cryo-EM or X-ray crystallography to elucidate receptor-ligand complex structures.

Handling, Storage, and Quality Considerations

To ensure optimal performance of Recombinant Human HTR2B Protein (rp370104), researchers should adhere to the following best practices:

• Storage: Store at -80°C upon receipt. Aliquot into single-use volumes prior to freezing to minimize freeze-thaw cycles, which can compromise protein integrity and activity.
• Handling: Thaw on ice and keep the protein cold during experimental setup. Avoid vigorous vortexing; mix gently by pipetting.
• Formulation Compatibility: Confirm buffer composition from the product datasheet before combining with other reagents, as certain buffer components may interfere with downstream assays.
• Quality Control: Each lot of rp370104 is subject to quality control testing. Researchers should review the certificate of analysis for purity (typically assessed by SDS-PAGE or HPLC), identity confirmation, and biological activity data where available.
• Expiry and Stability: Use within the recommended shelf-life period. If long-term storage is required beyond the stated expiry, validate activity before use in critical experiments.

For technical support or custom requirements, contact Aladdin Scientific's technical services team.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of HTR2B in human biology?

HTR2B (5-HT2B receptor) is a G protein-coupled receptor that mediates the effects of serotonin (5-HT) primarily via the Gq/11 signaling pathway. It plays important roles in cardiac development, smooth muscle contraction, gastrointestinal motility, and neuronal function. Dysregulated HTR2B activity has been linked to cardiac valvulopathy and pulmonary arterial hypertension.

What applications is Recombinant Human HTR2B Protein (rp370104) suitable for?

Recombinant Human HTR2B Protein is suitable for ligand binding assays, functional GPCR signaling studies, antibody validation (ELISA, Western blot, immunoprecipitation), drug safety and off-target profiling, and structural biology investigations. It is commonly used in drug discovery programs focused on serotonin receptor pharmacology.

How should Recombinant Human HTR2B Protein be stored to maintain activity?

The protein should be stored at -80°C immediately upon receipt. It is strongly recommended to aliquot the protein into single-use volumes before freezing to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles, which can degrade protein activity. Always thaw on ice and keep cold during handling.

Why is HTR2B relevant to drug safety pharmacology?

Activation of HTR2B has been associated with cardiac valvulopathy in humans, as demonstrated with certain serotonergic drugs. Regulatory guidelines therefore recommend that compounds with serotonergic activity be screened for HTR2B agonism as part of safety pharmacology assessments. Recombinant HTR2B Protein facilitates such off-target safety profiling in early drug discovery.

Where can I find lot-specific quality control data for rp370104?

Lot-specific quality control data, including purity, identity, and activity information, are provided in the certificate of analysis (CoA) accompanying each shipment of rp370104. You may also contact Aladdin Scientific's technical support team to request CoA documents for specific lots.

References

1. Hoyer D, Hannon JP, Martin GR. Molecular, pharmacological and functional diversity of 5-HT receptors. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior. 2002;71(4):533-554. doi:10.1016/S0091-3057(01)00746-8
2. Launay JM, Hervé P, Peoc'h K, et al. Function of the serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine 2B receptor in pulmonary hypertension. Nature Medicine. 2002;8(10):1129-1135. doi:10.1038/nm764
3. Rothman RB, Baumann MH, Savage JE, et al. Evidence for possible involvement of 5-HT2B receptors in the cardiac valvulopathy associated with fenfluramine and other serotonergic medications. Circulation. 2000;102(23):2836-2841. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.102.23.2836

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.