The orphan receptor GPR55 is a novel cannabinoid receptor.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The endocannabinoid system functions through two well characterized receptor systems, the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Work by a number of groups in recent years has provided evidence that the system is more complicated and additional receptor types should exist to explain ligand activity in a number of physiological processes.

Experimental approach

Cells transfected with the human cDNA for GPR55 were tested for their ability to bind and to mediate GTPgammaS binding by cannabinoid ligands. Using an antibody and peptide blocking approach, the nature of the G-protein coupling was determined and further demonstrated by measuring activity of downstream signalling pathways.

Key results

We demonstrate that GPR55 binds to and is activated by the cannabinoid ligand CP559

SUBMITTER: Ryberg E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2095107 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature