GPR124

GPR124 (G Protein-Coupled Receptor 124), also known as ADGRA2 (Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor A2), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ADGRA2 gene. This receptor is part of the adhesion GPCR family, which is characterized by an extended extracellular region with various domains involved in cell adhesion and signaling. GPR124 plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), angiogenesis, and possibly in the regulation of tumor growth.

Function

GPR124 is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), including the brain and spinal cord, and is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, the process through which new blood vessels form from pre-existing vessels. This receptor is particularly important for the development of the blood-brain barrier, a selective barrier that protects the brain from the general blood circulation, by regulating the permeability of blood vessels within the CNS. Studies have shown that GPR124 interacts with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, a critical pathway for the development and maintenance of the BBB. The interaction between GPR124 and Wnt signaling components is essential for the angiogenic process in the CNS and for the proper formation of the BBB.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in GPR124 function have been implicated in various pathological conditions. Due to its role in angiogenesis and the blood-brain barrier, GPR124 is of interest in the study of neurological disorders, cancer, and stroke. In cancer, overexpression of GPR124 has been observed in certain types of tumors, suggesting a potential role in tumor angiogenesis and growth. This makes GPR124 a potential target for therapeutic intervention in cancer treatment, particularly for tumors of the CNS.

Research

Research on GPR124 is ongoing, with studies focusing on its role in CNS development, the mechanisms by which it regulates the blood-brain barrier, and its potential as a therapeutic target in diseases involving angiogenesis and BBB dysfunction. Understanding the precise mechanisms of GPR124 action and its interactions with other signaling pathways is crucial for developing targeted therapies for neurological disorders and cancer.

See Also

• G protein-coupled receptor
• Angiogenesis
• Blood-brain barrier
• Wnt signaling pathway