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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

Implantation of an Isoproterenol Mini-Pump to Induce Heart Failure in Mice
Published on: October 3, 2019
Tailoring therapy for heart failure: the pharmacogenomics of adrenergic receptor signaling
Grazia Daniela Femminella1, Vincenzo Barrese2, Nicola Ferrara3
1Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
Abstract:
Heart failure is one of the leading causes of mortality in Western countries, and β-blockers are a cornerstone of its treatment. However, the response to these drugs is variable among individuals, which might be explained, at least in part, by genetic differences. Pharmacogenomics is the study of genetic contributions to drug response variability in order to provide evidence for a tailored therapy in an individual patient. Several studies have investigated the pharmacogenomics of the adrenergic receptor system and its role in the context of the use of β-blockers in treating heart failure. In this review, we will focus on the most significant polymorphisms described in the literature involving adrenergic receptors and adrenergic receptor-related proteins, as well as genetic variations influencing β-blocker metabolism.
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Adrenergic Receptors: β Subtype
Isoprenaline > Adrenaline > Noradrenaline
Neurotransmitter binding to these receptors causes activation of adenylyl cyclase resulting in increased concentrations of cAMP and modulation of calcium ion channels within the cell. They are further classified into β1, β2, and β3 subtypes.
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