GPR55 Antibodies

Target Information

GPR55 has been reported to be expressed in the brain, where mRNA transcripts were detected in the caudate nucleus and putamen, but not in five other brain regions (Sawzdargo et al., 1999). ESTs have been isolated from liver/spleen libraries. G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) comprise one of the largest families of signaling molecules with more than a thousand members currently predicted to exist.  All GPCRs share a structural motif consisting of seven membrane-spanning helices, and exist in both active and inactive forms.  An array of activating ligands participate in the conformation of GPCRs which leads to signaling via G-proteins and downstream effectors.  Ongoing studies have also shown the vast series of reactions which participate in the negative regulation of GPCRs.  This "turn-off" activity has tremendous implications for the physiological action of the cell, and continues to drive pharmacological research for new drug candidates.  Two blockbuster drugs which have been developed as GPCR-targeted pharmaceuticals are Zyprexa (Eli Lilly) and Claritin (Schering-Plough) which have multi-billion dollar shares of the mental health and allergy markets, respectively.

Synonyms

G protein-coupled receptor 55; Gm218; GPCR55; GPR55; G-protein coupled receptor 55; Lpir1