Neuropeptide S receptor
Encyclopedia
The neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily of integral membrane protein
s which binds neuropeptide S
(NPS). It was formally an orphan receptor
, GPR154, until the discovery of neuropeptide S as the endogenous ligand.
In the CNS
, activation of the NPSR by NPS promotes arousal
and anxiolytic
-like effects.
In addition, mututations in NPSR have been linked to a susceptibility to asthma
. Hence NPSR has also been called GPRA (G protein-coupled receptor for asthma susceptibility). Activation of NPSR in the airway epithelium
has a number of effects including upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase
s which are involved in the pathogenesis
of asthma.
Integral membrane protein
An integral membrane protein is a protein molecule that is permanently attached to the biological membrane. Proteins that cross the membrane are surrounded by "annular" lipids, which are defined as lipids that are in direct contact with a membrane protein...
s which binds neuropeptide S
Neuropeptide S
Neuropeptide S is a neuropeptide found in human and mammalian brain, mainly produced by neurons in the amygdala and between Barrington's nucleus and the locus coeruleus, although NPS-responsive neurons extend projections into many other brain areas. NPS binds specifically to a newly de-orphaned G...
(NPS). It was formally an orphan receptor
Orphan receptor
An orphan receptor is an apparent receptor that has a similar structure to other identified receptors but whose endogenous ligand has not yet been identified. If a ligand for an orphan receptor is later discovered, the receptor is referred to as an "adopted orphan".-Examples:Examples of orphan...
, GPR154, until the discovery of neuropeptide S as the endogenous ligand.
In the CNS
Central nervous system
The central nervous system is the part of the nervous system that integrates the information that it receives from, and coordinates the activity of, all parts of the bodies of bilaterian animals—that is, all multicellular animals except sponges and radially symmetric animals such as jellyfish...
, activation of the NPSR by NPS promotes arousal
Arousal
Arousal is a physiological and psychological state of being awake or reactive to stimuli. It involves the activation of the reticular activating system in the brain stem, the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system, leading to increased heart rate and blood pressure and a condition of...
and anxiolytic
Anxiolytic
An anxiolytic is a drug used for the treatment of anxiety, and its related psychological and physical symptoms...
-like effects.
In addition, mututations in NPSR have been linked to a susceptibility to asthma
Asthma
Asthma is the common chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath...
. Hence NPSR has also been called GPRA (G protein-coupled receptor for asthma susceptibility). Activation of NPSR in the airway epithelium
Epithelium
Epithelium is one of the four basic types of animal tissue, along with connective tissue, muscle tissue and nervous tissue. Epithelial tissues line the cavities and surfaces of structures throughout the body, and also form many glands. Functions of epithelial cells include secretion, selective...
has a number of effects including upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase
Matrix metalloproteinase
Matrix metalloproteinases are zinc-dependent endopeptidases; other family members are adamalysins, serralysins, and astacins. The MMPs belong to a larger family of proteases known as the metzincin superfamily....
s which are involved in the pathogenesis
Pathogenesis
The pathogenesis of a disease is the mechanism by which the disease is caused. The term can also be used to describe the origin and development of the disease and whether it is acute, chronic or recurrent...
of asthma.