The orexin receptor (also referred to as the hypocretin receptor) is a G-protein-coupled receptor that binds the neuropeptide orexin. There are two variants, OX1 and OX2, each encoded by a different gene (HCRTR1, HCRTR2).[1]
Quick Facts hypocretin (orexin) receptor 1, Identifiers ...
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Quick Facts hypocretin (orexin) receptor 2, Identifiers ...
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Both orexin receptors exhibit a similar pharmacology – the 2 orexin peptides, orexin-A and orexin-B, bind to both receptors and, in each case, agonist binding results in an increase in intracellular calcium levels. However, orexin-B shows a 5- to 10-fold selectivity for orexin receptor type 2, whilst orexin-A is equipotent at both receptors.[2][3]
Several orexin receptor antagonists are in development for potential use in sleep disorders.[4] The first of these, suvorexant, has been on the market in the United States since 2015.[5] There were two orexin agonists under development as of 2019[update].[6]