Prostaglandin D2 receptor

Prostaglandin D2 receptor (also known as DP1 and DP2) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the PTGDR gene. It is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor family and plays a crucial role in the inflammatory response and allergic reactions.

Function[edit | edit source]

The Prostaglandin D2 receptor is a receptor for prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). PGD2 is a prostaglandin that binds to two types of receptors, DP1 and DP2. DP1 is a G protein-coupled receptor, while DP2 is a member of the chemokine receptor family.

PGD2 has a variety of physiological functions, including the regulation of sleep, body temperature, pain perception, and hormone release. It also plays a role in the inflammatory response, where it acts as a potent vasodilator and inhibits platelet aggregation.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

The Prostaglandin D2 receptor has been implicated in a variety of diseases, including asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. In these conditions, the activation of the Prostaglandin D2 receptor leads to an increase in the inflammatory response, which contributes to the symptoms of the disease.

In addition, the Prostaglandin D2 receptor is also involved in the regulation of hair growth. Studies have shown that the activation of the Prostaglandin D2 receptor inhibits hair growth, and this has led to the development of drugs that block the Prostaglandin D2 receptor as potential treatments for hair loss.