What you carry at this position in your DNA and what research says about it.
Episodic Memory: 5/10 evidence, 22 publications.
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Sample genotype (not yours): G/G
Better Memory but Higher Arthritis Risk
Stronger episodic memory consolidation is a key feature of this genetic profile, aiding in the recall of past events. However, this same pattern is linked to an increased susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis.
What this genotype means: Stronger episodic memory consolidation; Increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Sample genotype (not yours): A/A
Poorer Memory but Typical Arthritis Risk
Reduced efficiency in episodic memory consolidation is associated with this profile, which can make delayed recall more difficult. On the positive side, the genetic risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis remains at the typical population baseline.
What this genotype means: Less efficient episodic memory consolidation; Typical risk of rheumatoid arthritis; Enhanced response to clozapine.
Sample genotype (not yours): G/A
Poorer Memory and Higher Arthritis Risk
Less efficient episodic memory consolidation is common with this profile, which can make delayed verbal recall more challenging. There is also an elevated genetic risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis, though antidepressant response may be enhanced.
What this genotype means: Less efficient episodic memory consolidation; Increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis; Enhanced response to paroxetine and clozapine.
Gene function and biological role
Gene Function: The HTR2A gene encodes the serotonin 2A receptor, a key protein widely expressed in the central nervous system and various peripheral tissues. This receptor is highly concentrated in brain regions responsible for learning, memory, and emotion, such as the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus [1]. It plays a fundamental role in modulating neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and cognitive processes [1]. Beyond the brain, the receptor is also found on immune cells and platelets, where it helps regulate inflammatory responses [2]. Genetic variations in this gene can alter receptor density or signaling efficiency, influencing both cognitive traits and susceptibility to autoimmune conditions [2]. Additionally, HTR2A is a major target for many atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants, making it highly relevant in pharmacogenomics [3].
Variant Impact: The rs6314 variant is a missense mutation in exon 3 of the HTR2A gene, resulting in an amino acid substitution from histidine to tyrosine at position 452. This change occurs in the intracellular C-terminal domain of the serotonin 2A receptor, which is critical for initiating downstream signaling cascades [1]. The tyrosine-containing variant receptor exhibits blunted intracellular signaling upon serotonin binding [1]. This functional dampening directly impacts hippocampal novelty processing and episodic memory consolidation [1]. Furthermore, this variant is part of a larger genetic haplotype that influences susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis by modulating cytokine production in immune cells [2]. It also alters the binding and efficacy of several neuropsychiatric medications [3].
Key Insight: The same serotonin receptor that shapes your memory consolidation also regulates cytokine production in your immune cells, linking cognitive traits directly to joint health.
Location: HTR2A. Chromosome 13 · 13q14.2 · 46.8 Mb
Estimated prevalence by population
Global 82.3%; European 82.8%; African 76.6%; East Asian 99.5%; South Asian 82.5%; Americas 85.5%; Ashkenazi 75.2%; Finnish 89.7%; Middle Eastern 81.3%; Amish 93.1%.
Estimated GG genotype frequency.
Global 16.7%; European 16.3%; African 21.9%; East Asian 0.5%; South Asian 16.7%; Americas 14.0%; Ashkenazi 23.0%; Finnish 10.0%; Middle Eastern 17.8%; Amish 6.8%.
Estimated GA genotype frequency.
Global 0.9%; European 0.8%; African 1.6%; East Asian < 0.1%; South Asian 0.8%; Americas 0.6%; Ashkenazi 1.8%; Finnish 0.3%; Middle Eastern 1.0%; Amish 0.1%.
Estimated AA genotype frequency.
Showing effects for G/G genotype
Neurology & Mental Health
Memory, Learning & Attention
Memory Consolidation. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18611292. Better Memory.
Immunity & Inflammation
Autoimmune Diseases
Rheumatoid Arthritis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18006541. Higher Risk.
Pharmacogenomics
Antidepressant & Psychiatric Drug Response
Antidepressant Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 18253134. Typical Response.
Antipsychotic Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 38540209. Typical Response.
Showing effects for A/A genotype
Memory Consolidation. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18611292. Poorer Memory.
Rheumatoid Arthritis. Evidence: 3/10. Source: PMID 18006541. Typical Risk.
Antipsychotic Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 38540209. Stronger Response.
Showing effects for G/A genotype
Antidepressant Response. Evidence: 5/10. Source: PMID 18253134. Stronger Response.
What this genotype means for the people who carry it
Sample genotype: GG (Homozygous)
Serotonin receptors play a vital role in how the brain processes and stores memories. Having two copies of the G allele ensures optimal signaling through the 5-HT2A receptor, which supports the consolidation of episodic memories [1]. Studies show that people with this profile perform significantly better on delayed verbal recall and recognition tests compared to those carrying the A allele [1]. However, this receptor activity also influences the immune system. The G allele is part of a genetic haplotype linked to a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis [2]. This association is thought to stem from how the receptor modulates cytokine production in immune cells [2]. On the pharmacogenomic front, this profile is associated with a typical response to certain antidepressants like paroxetine [3].
Stronger episodic memory consolidation; Increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Sample genotype: AA (Homozygous)
Having two copies of the A allele leads to a tyrosine residue at position 452 of the 5-HT2A serotonin receptor instead of the typical histidine. This structural change blunts the receptor's signaling pathway, which is associated with poorer episodic memory consolidation [1]. Individuals with this genotype typically experience more difficulty with delayed verbal recall and recognition tasks [1]. Fortunately, this profile lacks the G allele associated with joint inflammation, resulting in a typical, average risk for rheumatoid arthritis [2]. The absence of the risk haplotype means immune cells do not exhibit the pro-inflammatory cytokine profile seen in G carriers [2]. In medical settings, this genotype is also relevant for treatment selection. Some studies suggest that individuals with this profile show a better response to the antipsychotic medication clozapine [3]. However, response to other common antidepressants like paroxetine is typically average [4].
Less efficient episodic memory consolidation; Typical risk of rheumatoid arthritis; Enhanced response to clozapine.
Sample genotype: GA (Heterozygous)
An alteration in the serotonin 2A receptor structure occurs when one copy of the A allele is present, which blunts its intracellular signaling. This change is linked to less efficient consolidation of episodic memories, leading to lower performance on delayed verbal recall tests [1]. At the same time, the remaining G allele keeps the genetic risk for rheumatoid arthritis elevated compared to the average population [2]. This joint risk is tied to how serotonin receptors interact with immune cells to regulate inflammation [2]. On the positive side, this heterozygous profile is strongly associated with an improved response to certain psychiatric medications. Research shows a significantly higher rate of remission and clinical response when individuals with this genotype are treated with the antidepressant paroxetine [3]. Additionally, there is evidence of a favorable response to the antipsychotic medication clozapine [4].
Less efficient episodic memory consolidation; Increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis; Enhanced response to paroxetine and clozapine.
Variants with shared genetic architecture
rs6311 · HTR2A Gene · Chr 13 · Antidepressant Side Effects
rs6313 · HTR2A Gene · Chr 13 · Serotonin Receptor Function
rs7997012 · HTR2A Gene · Chr 13 · Antidepressant Response
Content updated August 2026.
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