Orexin R2/HCRTR2: cDNA Clones

Hypocretin receptor 2 (HCRTR2); also known as orexin receptor 2 or OX2R is a 40 kDa 7-transmembrane G-protein-coupled glycoprotein that is a high affinity receptor for orexins A and B (hypocretins 1 and 2). In mouse brain, engagement of HCRTRs promotes wakefulness, such that absence of either orexins or their receptors creates a narcolepsy-like state. HCRTR2 also influences reward circuits involving food or addictive drugs. The extracellular portions of human HCRTR2 share 92% and 93% aa identity with corresponding portions of mouse and rat HCRTR2, respectively.