OXTR - Oxytocin Receptor | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background

The Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) is a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that plays a crucial role in mediating the effects of oxytocin, a neuropeptide hormone involved in various physiological and behavioral processes. OXTR is widely expressed in the central nervous system, peripheral tissues, and reproductive organs, where it regulates social behavior, reproduction, stress responses, and other functions. The primary ligand for OXTR is oxytocin, a nine-amino acid peptide hormone produced primarily by the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary gland. Oxytocin binds to OXTR with high affinity and specificity, triggering intracellular signaling cascades. n summary, the Oxytocin Receptor (OXTR) plays critical roles in regulating social behavior, reproductive function, stress responses, and emotional processing. Dysregulation of OXTR signaling is implicated in various clinical conditions, making OXTR a potential target for therapeutic intervention across a range of disorders.

Structural Features:

OXTR belongs to the rhodopsin-like family of GPCRs and possesses seven transmembrane helices, an extracellular N-terminus, and an intracellular C-terminus. Its structure allows it to interact with oxytocin and activate downstream signaling pathways.

Physiological Functions:

1.   Social Behavior: OXTR is heavily implicated in regulating social behavior, including social bonding, maternal behavior, pair bonding, and parental care. Oxytocin signaling through OXTR promotes prosocial behaviors and social recognition.

2.   Reproductive Function: OXTR plays a critical role in reproductive physiology, including uterine contraction during childbirth, milk ejection during lactation, and sperm transport in males. Oxytocin/OXTR signaling is essential for parturition and lactation.

3.   Stress Regulation: Oxytocin/OXTR signaling modulates stress responses and anxiety-related behaviors, promoting stress resilience and reducing anxiety levels.

4.   Trust and Empathy: OXTR is involved in regulating trust, empathy, and emotional processing, influencing interpersonal relationships and social interactions.

Clinical Implications:

1.   Reproductive Disorders: Dysregulation of OXTR signaling has been implicated in reproductive disorders such as infertility, preterm labor, and dysfunctional labor. Oxytocin receptor antagonists are used clinically to prevent preterm labor.

2.   Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Variations in OXTR function have been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety disorders. OXTR polymorphisms may influence susceptibility to these conditions.

3.   Social and Behavioral Disorders: OXTR dysregulation has been linked to social and behavioral disorders characterized by impaired social cognition, empathy deficits, and disrupted social bonds.

4.   Bonding and Attachment: OXTR is implicated in the formation and maintenance of social bonds and attachment relationships, influencing bonding behaviors between romantic partners, parents and offspring, and social groups.

Therapeutic Potential:

1.   Oxytocin Receptor Modulators: Developing OXTR agonists or antagonists as potential therapeutics for neuropsychiatric disorders, reproductive disorders, and social and behavioral disorders.

2.   Psychosocial Interventions: Utilizing oxytocin-based therapies or interventions targeting oxytocin/OXTR signaling to enhance social cognition, empathy, and social bonding in individuals with social deficits or psychiatric disorders.

3.   Reproductive Medicine: Using oxytocin receptor antagonists to prevent preterm labor or oxytocin receptor agonists to augment uterine contractions during labor.

4.   Relationship Counseling: Incorporating oxytocin-based interventions into relationship counseling or therapy to promote bonding, trust, and communication in couples or families.