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Updated: Jun 12, 2026
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Using the Activity-based Anorexia Rodent Model to Study the Neurobiological Basis of Anorexia Nervosa
Published on: October 22, 2015
Functional polymorphism in the GPR55 gene is associated with anorexia nervosa
Hiroki Ishiguro1, Emmanuel S Onaivi, Yasue Horiuchi
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi 409-3898, Japan. hishiguro@yamanashi.ac.jp
Synapse (New York, N.Y.)
|May 28, 2010
Summary
The G-protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) Val195 allele, associated with reduced receptor function, is more prevalent in individuals with anorexia nervosa. This suggests a potential genetic risk factor for the eating disorder.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Metabolic Disorders
Background:
- Endocannabinoids, including anandamide, influence appetite and food intake.
- G-protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) is a potential target for endocannabinoids and may play a role in eating behaviors.
- A specific polymorphism (rs3749073, Gly195Val) in the GPR55 gene has been identified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional impact of the GPR55 Gly195Val polymorphism.
- To determine if this GPR55 variant is associated with anorexia nervosa in a Japanese population.
Main Methods:
- Functional analysis of GPR55 variants using extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation assays in engineered cells.
- Case-control association study comparing GPR55 allele frequencies in anorexia nervosa patients and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- The Val195 variant of GPR55 exhibited reduced signaling activity compared to the Gly195 variant when stimulated with anandamide and lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI).
- The Val195 allele and its homozygous state were significantly more frequent in female Japanese patients with anorexia nervosa compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- The low-functioning Val195 allele of GPR55 is associated with an increased risk of developing anorexia nervosa.
- GPR55 genetic variations may contribute to the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa.
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