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Lipid signaling cascades of orexin/hypocretin receptors
1Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Department of Veterinary Biosciences, POB 66, FIN-00014, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Abstract:
Orexins - orexin-A and orexin-B - are neuropeptides with significant role in regulation of fundamental physiological processes such as sleep-wakefulness cycle. Orexins act via G-protein-coupled OX1 and OX2 receptors, which are found, in addition to the central nervous system, also in a number of peripheral organs. Orexin receptors show high degree of signaling promiscuity. One particularly prominent way of signaling for these receptors is via phospholipase cascades, including the phospholipase C, phospholipase D and phospholipase A2 cascades, and also diacylglycerol lipase and phosphoinositide-3-kinase pathways. Most analyses have been performed in recombinant cells; there are indications of some of these cascades in native cells while the significance of other cascades remains to be shown. In this review, I present these pathways, their activation mechanisms and their physiological significance.
Insights
Orexins (orexin-A and orexin-B) are neuropeptides regulating sleep. Their receptors activate various signaling pathways, including phospholipase cascades, with roles in both the brain and peripheral organs.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Physiology
Background:
- Orexins, including orexin-A and orexin-B, are crucial neuropeptides involved in regulating fundamental physiological processes, notably the sleep-wakefulness cycle.
- These neuropeptides exert their functions through G-protein-coupled OX1 and OX2 receptors, which are present in the central nervous system and various peripheral organs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the signaling pathways activated by orexin receptors.
- To elucidate the activation mechanisms and physiological significance of these pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on orexin receptor signaling.
- Analysis of phospholipase cascades (PLC, PLD, PLA2), diacylglycerol lipase, and PI3K pathways.
- Comparison of findings from recombinant and native cell studies.
Main Results:
- Orexin receptors exhibit significant signaling promiscuity, activating multiple downstream pathways.
- Prominent signaling involves phospholipase cascades (C, D, A2) and diacylglycerol lipase and phosphoinositide-3-kinase pathways.
- While some pathways are confirmed in native cells, the significance of others requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Orexin receptor signaling is complex, involving diverse phospholipase cascades and lipid kinase pathways.
- Understanding these pathways is essential for comprehending orexin's physiological roles in the CNS and periphery.
- Further research is needed to fully establish the significance of all identified cascades in native cellular contexts.
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