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Updated: Jul 13, 2026
10:13
Measuring G-protein-coupled Receptor Signaling via Radio-labeled GTP Binding
Published on: June 9, 2017
[Function of glial G-protein coupled receptors]
Akiko Furuta1, Etsuko Wada, Keiji Wada
1Department of Degenerative Neurological Diseases, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi, Kodaira, Tokyo 187 8502, Japan.
Brain and Nerve = Shinkei Kenkyu No Shinpo
|August 1, 2007
Summary
Researchers identified novel G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) in brain glial cells. Targeting neurotensin receptor 2 (Ntsr2) and PACAP receptor (PAC1) may offer new therapeutic strategies for neuropsychiatric disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Pharmacology: Focus on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their role in brain function.
Context:
- GPCRs are the largest membrane protein superfamily, with approximately 50% of drugs targeting them.
- Glial cell (astrocyte and neural progenitor cell) dysfunction is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders.
Purpose:
- To develop a novel strategy for screening brain cell-specific GPCRs.
- To characterize GPCRs expressed in astrocytes and neural progenitor cells (NPCs).
Summary:
- Type 2 neurotensin receptor (Ntsr2) is highly expressed in astrocytes; Ntsr2 knockout mice exhibit altered emotional behaviors.
- PACAP receptor (PAC1) is highly expressed in NPCs, where the PACAP/PAC1 system potentiates glial progenitor proliferation.
- VPAC2, a PAC1-related GPCR, is found in reactive astrocytes.
Impact:
- Identified Ntsr2, PAC1, and VPAC2 as potential therapeutic targets for brain disorders.
- Highlights the critical role of glial GPCRs in brain development, function, and neuropsychiatric conditions.
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