title: Ghrelin receptor signaling: a promising therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome and cognitive dysfunction.
abstract: The neuroendocrine hormone ghrelin is an octanoylated 28-residue peptide that exerts numerous physiological functions. Ghrelin exerts its effects on the body mainly through a highly conserved G protein-coupled receptor known as the growth hormone secretagagogue receptor subtype 1a (GHS-R1a). Ghrelin and GSH-R1a are widely expressed in both peripheral and central tissues/organs, and ghrelin signaling plays a critical role in maintaining energy balance and neuronal health. The multiple orexigenic effects of ghrelin and its receptor have been studied in great detail, and GHS-R1a-mediated ghrelin signaling has long been a promising target for the treatment of metabolic disorders, such as obesity. In addition to its well-characterized metabolic effects, there is also mounting evidence that ghrelin-mediated GHS-R1a signaling exerts neuroprotective effects on the brain. In this review, we will summarize some of the effects of ghrelin-mediated GSH-R1a signaling on peripheral energy balance and cognitive function. We will also discuss the potential pharmacotherapeutic role of GSH-R1a-mediated ghrelin signaling for the treatment of complex neuroendocrine disorders.
authors.affiliation: Metabolism Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Investigation, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
authors.forename: Wei-na
authors.initials: WN
authors.lastname: Cong
authors.forename: Erin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Golden
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Pantaleo
authors.forename: Caitlin M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: White
authors.forename: Stuart
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Maudsley
authors.forename: Bronwen
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D054439:Ghrelin / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008954:Models, Biological; D054440:Receptors, Ghrelin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D054439:Ghrelin; D054440:Receptors, Ghrelin