The 5HT2 receptor defines a family of structurally distinct but functionally conserved serotonin receptors

Serotonin exerts its diverse physiological effects by interacting with multiple distinct receptor subtypes. We have isolated a rat brain 5HT2 serotonin receptor cDNA by virtue of its homology with the 5HT1c receptor. The 5HT2 receptor is a member of the family of receptors that are linked to guanine nucleotide-binding proteins and are predicted to span the lipid bilayer seven times. Overall sequence identity between the 5HT2 and 5HT1c receptors is 49%, but identity within the transmembrane domains is 80%. Expression of both the 5HT2 and 5HT1c receptors in transfected mouse fibroblasts activates phospholipase C signaling pathways and promotes cellular transformation. However, RNA blotting shows that these two receptor subtypes are differentially expressed in the central nervous system. In this manner, structurally and functionally homologous receptor subtypes may elicit distinct physiologic actions.