| G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), also designated seven transmembrane (7TM) receptors or heptahelical receptors, interact with G proteins (heterotrimeric GTPases) to synthesize intracellular second messengers, such as diacylglycerol, cyclic AMP, inositol phosphates and calcium ions. Their diverse biological functions range from vision and olfaction to neuronal and endocrine signaling and are involved in many pathological conditions. LGR4 (leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4), also known as GPR48, is a 951 amino acid multi-pass membrane protein that contains 15 LRR (leucine-rich repeats) and belongs to the GPCR family. Expressed in multiple tissues, including testis, ovary, placenta, stomach, heart, kidney, pancreas and spleen, LGR4 functions as an orphan receptor that may be involved in physiologic activities throughout the cell. LGR4 is overexpressed in various cancer types and is thought to enhance carcinoma invasiveness and metastasis, suggesting an important role in tumor progression. |
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