Adiponectin receptor (AdipoR) (AdipoR)

The Adiponectin receptor (AdipoR) is a class of cell-surface receptors, primarily AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, that mediate the metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects of the adipokine adiponectin [1, 9]. AdipoR1 is predominantly expressed in skeletal muscle and activates the AMPK pathway, while AdipoR2 is more abundant in the liver and signals through the PPAR-alpha pathway [1, 2, 11]. These receptors are unique seven-transmembrane proteins with an internal N-terminus and external C-terminus, distinguishing them from classical G protein-coupled receptors [1, 2]. They play a vital role in regulating glucose uptake, fatty acid oxidation, and insulin sensitivity, making them key targets for treating metabolic disorders [4, 7, 13]. Dysregulation or decreased expression of these receptors is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases [2, 12, 13]. Beyond metabolism, they are involved in anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic processes, offering protection against vascular damage [4, 7]. Small-molecule agonists like AdipoRon are being developed to mimic adiponectin's beneficial effects by directly activating these receptors [2, 5, 6]. These agonists show promise in improving insulin resistance and potentially prolonging lifespan in metabolic disease models [2, 13]. T-cadherin also acts as a co-receptor or binding partner for high-molecular-weight adiponectin, particularly in the cardiovascular system [9, 13]. Targeting the adiponectin receptor system represents a novel approach to managing the global epidemic of obesity-related conditions [12, 13].

Other names

AdipoR1AdipoR2PAQR1PAQR2Progestin and adipoQ receptor family member 1Progestin and adipoQ receptor family member 2T-cadherinCDH13

Agonism of AdipoR1 and AdipoR2, leading to the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-alpha) signaling pathways [1, 2, 7].