DRD2
Dopamine receptor D2
Gene Number: 1813
Location: 11q23.2
Key Functions: Dopamine signaling, reward learning, motivation, movement control
DRD2 produces the D2 dopamine receptor, which allows nerve cells to respond to dopamine. These receptors help regulate movement and influence how the brain processes rewards, learns from outcomes and develops habits [R].
This report examines rs6277 (C957T) within DRD2 and rs1800497 (Taq1A) in the neighboring ANKK1 gene. Both have been studied for differences in dopamine-receptor binding, particularly in the striatum—a brain region involved in movement and reward processing [R, R].
Explore your genotypes below, or visit COMT and dopamine metabolism and OPRM1 and opioid-receptor signaling to explore related aspects of brain chemistry.
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 and Dopamine-Receptor Binding
AA – Linked to higher striatal receptor binding compared with GG.
AG – Linked to intermediate D2/3 striatal receptor binding.
GG – Linked to lower striatal D2/3 receptor binding compared with A-containing genotypes in brain-imaging research.
A PET study of 84 participants found increasing receptor binding with each A allele, particularly in the putamen and ventral striatum [R].
Schizophrenia research: Earlier studies reported associations, but a 2021 meta-analysis found no significant overall association for rs6277 [R].
Functional effect: rs6277 is a synonymous variant, meaning it does not change the receptor’s amino-acid sequence. Imaging measurements reflect receptor availability and binding properties; higher binding does not necessarily mean more receptors or more dopamine. Research has shown that differences in binding affinity can contribute to this pattern [R].
rs1800497 — Taq1A and Striatal Receptor Availability
GG — A2/A2. The comparison genotype. No copies of the A1 allele linked to lower striatal D2 receptor availability.
AG — A1/A2. One A1 allele. Linked to lower striatal D2 receptor availability compared with GG.
AA — A1/A1. Two A1 alleles. Also belongs to the group linked to lower receptor availability; the research does not establish a consistently doubled effect compared with AG.
A meta-analysis of five imaging studies involving 194 participants found lower striatal D2 receptor availability among A1 carriers compared with A2/A2 individuals [R].
Functional effect: Taq1A sits in ANKK1, next to DRD2, and changes the ANKK1 protein. Its relationship with D2 receptor availability does not mean it directly changes the D2 receptor’s protein sequence [R].
What About Alcohol Dependence?
A meta-analysis of 69 studies, including 9,125 cases and 9,123 controls, reported approximately 35% higher alcohol-dependence odds for A1/A1 compared with A2/A2. Results differed between ancestry groups [R].
However, another large analysis found that unusually low A1 frequencies in some control groups could account for the apparent association. The alcohol-dependence finding therefore remains debated [R].
These results describe aspects of dopamine-receptor biology. They do not measure your current dopamine level or determine your motivation, intelligence or ability to learn.
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