DRD2
Dopamine receptor D2
Gene Number: 1813
Location: 11q23.2
Key Functions: Dopamine signaling, reward system regulation, motor control, cognitive function
DRD2 encodes the dopamine receptor D2, a G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) that modulates dopaminergic neurotransmission throughout the central nervous system [R].
Within the striatal regions (caudate nucleus and putamen), DRD2 receptors are densely expressed on medium spiny neurons of the indirect pathway, where they exert inhibitory control over motor output and reinforcement signaling. These striatal DRD2 receptors play a critical role in habit formation, reward learning, and motor regulation, integrating motivational and sensorimotor input for adaptive behavior [R].
SNP ID | Your Genotype | Alt Allele | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
rs6277 | Analyze your DNA to see your genotype | A | Analyze your DNA to see a personalized result. |
rs1800497 | Analyze your DNA to see your genotype | A | Analyze your DNA to see a personalized result. |
rs6277 (C957T)
AA – Normal risk of schizophrenia; associated with faster NoGo learning (R).
AG – ~1.4× higher risk of schizophrenia (R).
GG – C~1.6× higher risk of schizophrenia (R).
Functional effect: The G allele increases DRD2 mRNA stability, elevating receptor expression and altering reward/stress responses.
rs1800497 (Taq1A)
GG A2/A2 – Normal baseline, with standard learning and receptor density (R).
AG A1/A2 – Reduced D2 receptor density, impaired error avoidance, ~0.5× lower OCD risk, ~0.87× lower tardive dyskinesia risk, but higher ADHD and alcohol dependence risk, increased obesity risk, poor smoking cessation response to bupropion (R).
AA A1/A1 – Bad at avoidance of errors. 0.25x lower OCD; 0.56x lower Tardive Diskinesia; higher ADHD; 1.4x Alcohol Dependence; lower Postoperative Nausea; Increased obesity; less pleasure response; Bupropion ineffective for smoking cessation.; 2.4x risk for adenoma recurrence. (R).
Functional effect: The A1 (T) allele, located in ANKK1, lowers D2/3 receptor binding in striatum and affects reinforcement learning and addiction vulnerability.
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