Neurotensin receptor

Neurotensin receptor is a type of protein that is encoded by the NTSR1 gene in humans. It is a high affinity receptor for the neurotensin neuropeptide. Neurotensin receptors are found in the central nervous system, where they are involved in a variety of biological processes.

Function[edit | edit source]

The neurotensin receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that interacts with the G protein to activate a downstream process in the cell. It has a high affinity for the neurotensin peptide, which is a 13-amino acid peptide that functions as both a neurotransmitter and a hormone.

Neurotensin receptors are involved in a variety of biological processes, including the regulation of dopamine activity, pain modulation, and the regulation of body temperature. They are also implicated in certain diseases, such as schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and certain types of cancer.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Alterations in the function of the neurotensin receptor have been implicated in a variety of diseases. For example, increased expression of the receptor has been found in certain types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. This has led to the development of drugs that target the neurotensin receptor for the treatment of these cancers.

In addition, alterations in the function of the neurotensin receptor have been implicated in neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. This has led to the development of drugs that target the neurotensin receptor for the treatment of these disorders.