GPR18
Encyclopedia
N-arachidonyl glycine receptor also known as G-protein coupled receptor 18 (GPR18) is a protein
that in humans is encoded by the GPR18 gene
. Along with the other previously "orphan" receptors GPR55
and GPR119
, GPR18 has been found to be a receptor for endogenous lipid neurotransmitters, several of which also bind to cannabinoid receptor
s.
Recent research supports the hypothesis that GPR18 is the abnormal cannabidiol receptor and N-arachidonoyl glycine, the endogenous lipid metabolite of anandamide
, initiates directed microglial
migration
in the CNS through activation of GPR18.
Protein
Proteins are biochemical compounds consisting of one or more polypeptides typically folded into a globular or fibrous form, facilitating a biological function. A polypeptide is a single linear polymer chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds between the carboxyl and amino groups of...
that in humans is encoded by the GPR18 gene
Gene
A gene is a molecular unit of heredity of a living organism. It is a name given to some stretches of DNA and RNA that code for a type of protein or for an RNA chain that has a function in the organism. Living beings depend on genes, as they specify all proteins and functional RNA chains...
. Along with the other previously "orphan" receptors GPR55
GPR55
G protein-coupled receptor 55 also known as GPR55 is a G protein-coupled receptor that in humans is encoded by the GPR55 gene.GPR55, along with GPR119 and GPR18, have been implicated as novel cannabinoid receptors.- History :...
and GPR119
GPR119
G protein-coupled receptor 119 also known as GPR119 is a G protein-coupled receptor that in humans is encoded by the GPR119 gene.GPR119, along with GPR55 and GPR18, have been implicated as novel cannabinoid receptors.- Pharmacology :...
, GPR18 has been found to be a receptor for endogenous lipid neurotransmitters, several of which also bind to cannabinoid receptor
Cannabinoid receptor
The cannabinoid receptors are a class of cell membrane receptors under the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily. As is typical of G protein-coupled receptors, the cannabinoid receptors contain seven transmembrane spanning domains...
s.
Recent research supports the hypothesis that GPR18 is the abnormal cannabidiol receptor and N-arachidonoyl glycine, the endogenous lipid metabolite of anandamide
Anandamide
Anandamide, also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamide or AEA, is an endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter. The name is taken from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means "bliss, delight", and amide. It is synthesized from N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine by multiple pathways...
, initiates directed microglial
Microglia
Microglia are a type of glial cell that are the resident macrophages of the brain and spinal cord, and thus act as the first and main form of active immune defense in the central nervous system . Microglia constitute 20% of the total glial cell population within the brain...
migration
Cell migration
Cell migration is a central process in the development and maintenance of multicellular organisms. Tissue formation during embryonic development, wound healing and immune responses all require the orchestrated movement of cells in particular directions to specific locations...
in the CNS through activation of GPR18.
Ligands
Ligands found to bind to GPR18 include:- N-arachidonoyl glycine (NAGly)
- Abnormal cannabidiolAbnormal cannabidiolAbnormal cannabidiol is a synthetic regioisomer of cannabidiol, which unlike most other cannabinoids produces vasodilator effects, lowers blood pressure, and induces cell migration, cell proliferation and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation in microglia, but without producing any...
(Abn-CBD) - O-1602
- Δ9-TetrahydrocannabinolTetrahydrocannabinolTetrahydrocannabinol , also known as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol , Δ1-THC , or dronabinol, is the main chemical psychoactive substance found in the cannabis plant. It was first isolated in 1964. In pure form, it is a glassy solid when cold, and becomes viscous and sticky if warmed...
(Δ9-THC) - AnandamideAnandamideAnandamide, also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamide or AEA, is an endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter. The name is taken from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means "bliss, delight", and amide. It is synthesized from N-arachidonoyl phosphatidylethanolamine by multiple pathways...
(N-arachidonoyl ethanolamine, AEA) - ArachidonylcyclopropylamideArachidonylcyclopropylamideArachidonylcyclopropylamide is a synthetic agonist of the cannabinoid receptor 1 . ACPA is considered to be a selective cannabinoid agonist as it binds primarily to the CB1R and has low affinity to the cannabinoid receptor 2 ....
(ACPA)