The protein encoded by this gene is a G-protein coupled receptor involved in the regulation of feeding behavior. The encoded protein selectively binds the hypothalamic neuropeptide orexin A. A related gene (HCRTR2) encodes a G-protein coupled receptor that binds orexin A and orexin B. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2009]
Forensic Context
A study in Wistar rats demonstrated that exposure to high concentrations of carbon dioxide (60% CO2) induced significant, region-specific mRNA expression changes in the brain, with Agps and Hspb2 significantly increased in the frontal cortex and Ppy decreased and Crhr2 increased in the hypothalamus [Sato et al. DOI:10.1016/J.Legalmed.2015.07.014].