Members of arrestin/beta-arrestin protein family are thought to participate in agonist-mediated desensitization of G protein-coupled receptors and cause specific dampening of cellular responses to stimuli such as hormones, neurotransmitters, or sensory signals,[5][6][7] as well as having signalling roles in their own right.

It is expressed at high levels in the central nervous system and may play a role in the regulation of synaptic receptors.

Besides the brain, a cDNA for arrestin beta 2 was isolated from thyroid gland, and thus it may also be involved in hormone-specific desensitization of TSH receptors.

[14][15] Arrestin beta 2 is crucial for the development of tolerance to morphine and other opioids.

Arrestin beta 2 has been shown to interact with This article incorporates text from the United States National Library of Medicine, which is in the public domain.