Novel neurotransmitters as natural ligands of orphan G-protein-coupled receptors

Trends Neurosci. 2001 Apr;24(4):230-7. doi: 10.1016/s0166-2236(00)01763-x.

Abstract

The "orphan" G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cloned GPCRs that bind unknown ligands. Since 1995, nineteen orphan GPCRs have been used as targets to identify and isolate their natural ligands via the application of the "orphan receptor strategy". These ligands are peptides, lipids or biogenic amines, and act as transmitter molecules. One nucleotide-sugar derivative and six peptides or peptide families identified through this strategy are novel and have already enriched our understanding of various brain functions.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Immediate-Early Proteins / drug effects
  • Immediate-Early Proteins / physiology
  • Ligands*
  • Neuropeptides / drug effects
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism
  • Neuropeptides / pharmacology
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / metabolism*
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / pharmacology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / drug effects
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled*
  • Receptors, Lysophospholipid
  • Second Messenger Systems / drug effects
  • Second Messenger Systems / physiology*

Substances

  • Immediate-Early Proteins
  • Ligands
  • Neuropeptides
  • Neurotransmitter Agents
  • Receptors, Cell Surface
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Lysophospholipid
  • GTP-Binding Proteins