The dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) is a G protein-coupled receptor encoded by the DRD2 gene, playing a crucial role in the central nervous system. It is the main target for most antipsychotic drugs and is involved in regulating various functions such as motor control, reward, and memory. D2R is coupled to the Gi subtype of G protein, inhibiting adenylyl cyclase activity. In addition to its canonical G protein signaling, D2R also signals through 尾-arrestin pathways, which can be selectively targeted to potentially improve therapeutic outcomes. Research has shown that D2R is involved in synaptic plasticity and memory formation in mice, and it may protect dopamine neurons from cell death in conditions mimicking Parkinson's disease.