The 5-HT2C receptor (5-hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor), a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), is widely expressed in the central nervous system and modulates neurotransmission, mood, appetite, and anxiety. It belongs to the serotonin receptor family and signals primarily through Gq/11 proteins, influencing intracellular calcium release. Dysregulation of 5-HT2C is implicated in psychiatric disorders like depression, schizophrenia, and drug addiction, making it a therapeutic target.
5-HT2C receptor antibodies are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. These antibodies are typically developed against specific epitopes, such as extracellular loops or intracellular domains, and validated for applications like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. High specificity is critical due to structural similarities with other 5-HT2 receptor subtypes (e.g., 5-HT2A/2B). Researchers use these antibodies to explore receptor density changes in disease models, track post-translational modifications (e.g., RNA editing), or evaluate drug-receptor interactions. Some antibodies also distinguish between edited and unedited isoforms, which exhibit distinct signaling properties. Cross-reactivity testing in knockout models ensures reliability. Commercial antibodies often target human, rat, or mouse 5-HT2C receptors, enabling translational studies. Their applications span neuropharmacology, behavioral research, and drug development, particularly for antipsychotics and antidepressants. Quality validation (e.g., siRNA knockdown controls) remains vital to avoid experimental artifacts.