Minireview: recent developments in the physiology and pathology of the lysophosphatidylinositol-sensitive receptor GPR55

Mol Endocrinol. 2011 Nov;25(11):1835-48. doi: 10.1210/me.2011-1197. Epub 2011 Sep 29.

Abstract

Emerging data suggest that off-target cannabinoid effects may be mediated via novel seven-transmembrane spanning/G protein-coupled receptors. Due to its cannabinoid sensitivity, the G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) was recently proposed as a candidate; however, GPR55 is phylogenetically distinct from the traditional cannabinoid receptors, and the conflicting pharmacology, signaling, and functional data have prevented its classification as a novel cannabinoid receptor. Indeed, the most consistent and potent agonist to date is the noncannabinoid lysophospholipid, lysophosphatidylinositol. Here we present new human GPR55 mRNA expression data, providing supportive evidence of GPR55 expression in a vast array of tissues and cell types. Moreover, we summarize major recent developments in GPR55 research and aim to update the reader in the rapidly expanding fields of GPR55 pharmacology, physiology, and pathology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
  • Humans
  • Lysophospholipids / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid / metabolism
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / agonists
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*

Substances

  • Cannabinoid Receptor Agonists
  • GPR55 protein, human
  • GPR55 protein, mouse
  • Lysophospholipids
  • Receptors, Cannabinoid
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • lysophosphatidylinositol