| ADRB2 (Adrenoceptor Beta 2; β2-Adrenergic Receptor) — G-protein-coupled receptor activated primarily by epinephrine and norepinephrine. ADRB2 couples mainly to Gs proteins, stimulating adenylyl cyclase, increasing intracellular cAMP, and activating PKA and downstream transcriptional and signaling pathways.
Typical modulation in cancer: Frequently tumor-promoting when chronically activated. Increased ADRB2 signaling can support proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stress adaptation, immune modulation, and metastatic behavior in several cancers. Effects remain tumor- and context-dependent.
Typical mechanistic relationship: Epinephrine / norepinephrine → ADRB2 activation → Gs → adenylyl cyclase ↑ → cAMP ↑ → PKA and CREB signaling ↑, with additional MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and β-arrestin-dependent signaling.
Beta-blocker relevance: Nonselective beta blockers such as propranolol inhibit ADRB2 as well as ADRB1. In cancer studies, inhibition of ADRB2-mediated stress signaling is one proposed mechanism for the anticancer effects of beta blockers.
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