Orphan G protein-coupled receptors and obesity.
The use of orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as targets to identify new transmitters has led over the last decade to the discovery of 12 novel neuropeptide families. Each one of these new neuropeptides has opened its own field of research, has brought new insights in distinct pathophysiological conditions and has offered new potentials for therapeutic applications. Interestingly, several of these novel peptides have seen their roles converge on one physiological response: the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure. In this manuscript, we discuss four deorphanized GPCR systems, the ghrelin, orexins/hypocretins, melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) and neuropeptide B/neuropeptide W (NPB/NPW) systems, and review our knowledge of their role in the regulation of energy balance and of their potential use in therapies directed at feeding disorders.
Department of Pharmacology, University of California Irvine, 101 Theory Dr., Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92612, USA.
Yan-Ling
YL
Xu
Valerie R
VR
Jackson
Olivier
O
Civelli
D000818:Animals; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D054439:Ghrelin; D006801:Humans; D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D008024:Ligands; D008543:Melanins / Q000378:metabolism; D009479:Neuropeptides / Q000378:metabolism; D009765:Obesity / Q000378:metabolism*; D064446:Orexin Receptors; D000068797:Orexins; D036361:Peptide Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D010907:Pituitary Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide
D054439:Ghrelin; D007028:Hypothalamic Hormones; D047908:Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D008024:Ligands; D008543:Melanins; C467731:NPW protein, human; D009479:Neuropeptides; D064446:Orexin Receptors; D000068797:Orexins; D036361:Peptide Hormones; D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide; C495188:neuropeptide B; C019463:melanin-concentrating hormone