Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor

Granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor receptor (GM-CSFR) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the CSF2RA gene. This receptor is a part of the cytokine receptor family, specifically the type I cytokine receptors. It is involved in the process of cell signaling and plays a crucial role in the immune response.

Structure

The GM-CSFR is a heterodimeric protein complex that consists of two different subunits: an alpha (α) subunit and a beta (β) subunit. The α subunit is specific to the GM-CSFR, while the β subunit is shared with other cytokine receptors, such as the IL-3 receptor and the IL-5 receptor.

Function

The primary function of the GM-CSFR is to bind the granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). This binding initiates a series of signal transduction events that lead to the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of hematopoietic cells. The GM-CSFR is expressed on the surface of several cell types, including granulocytes, macrophages, and dendritic cells.

Clinical significance

Mutations in the CSF2RA gene that encodes the GM-CSFR can lead to pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, a rare lung disease. Additionally, the overexpression of GM-CSF and its receptor has been associated with several types of cancer, including leukemia and lung cancer.

See also

• Cytokine receptor
• Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
• Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis