[Research advances of prostaglandin E₂ receptor 1 (EP1)]

Prostaglandin E₂ (PGE2) is an important lipid molecule derived from arachidonic acid, which regulates a variety of physiological and pathological activities. Based on the inhibition of inflammatory PGE₂ production, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are considered as the most commonly used drugs to treat inflammatory diseases and to relieve fever and pain symptoms. PGE₂ mediates its functions via four different G protein-coupled receptors, named EP1-EP4. Though the limited distribution and low PGE₂ affinity of EP1, it plays important roles in the maintenance of many physiological functions and homeostasis. Moreover, EP1 is widely involved in the inflammatory response, pain perception and multisystem pathological function regulation. In this review, we will briefly summarize the recent advances on the physiological and pathophysiological function of EP1 and its targeted drugs development.