RGS2
Regulator of G-protein signaling 2
Gene Number: 5997
Location: 1q31.2
Key Functions: GTPase-activating protein activity for Gα subunits, negative regulation of GPCR signaling, vascular smooth muscle tone, neuronal signaling modulation, stress and anxiety response
RGS2 encodes the Regulator of G-protein Signaling 2, a member of the RGS protein family that accelerates GTP hydrolysis on activated Gα subunits, thereby terminating G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling.
RGS2 is highly expressed in:
Vascular smooth muscle cells
The heart
Several brain regions, where it modulates vasoconstriction, cardiac function, and neuronal excitability. By dampening GPCR pathways, RGS2 helps maintain blood pressure homeostasis and influences behavioral responses to stress.
Mutations or dysregulation of RGS2 have been linked to hypertension, heart failure, and anxiety disorders. Reduced RGS2 expression or activity can lead to prolonged GPCR signaling, contributing to elevated vascular tone, maladaptive cardiac remodeling, and altered stress-related behaviors.
SNP ID | Your Genotype | Alternative Alleles | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|---|
rs4606 | No matching variant or no valid DNA data | G | No interpretation available |
rs4606
CC – Common genotype; typical anxiety/stress response in most contexts (R).
GC – Intermediate profile; associated with higher trait anxiety and stronger stress-reactive phenotypes in several cohorts (R).
GG – Minor-allele homozygote; linked to social-anxiety traits/introversion and altered limbic activation in some studies (R).
Functional effect: The C allele has the strongest evidence for increased generalized anxiety disorder (≈2× odds per C) and greater PTSD symptom severity under stress; the G allele has been associated with social-anxiety/introversion in other cohorts. Effects are context-dependent (gene × environment) (R).
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