Dopamine D2 receptor–Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor heteromer (D2R–MasR heteromer)

The Dopamine D2 receptor–Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor (D2R–MasR) heteromer is a functional protein complex formed by the physical association of the Dopamine D2 receptor and the Mas receptor (PubMed: 25118216). This heteromerization primarily occurs in the renal proximal tubule cells, where it plays a critical role in maintaining sodium balance and systemic blood pressure (PubMed: 29735618). When these receptors form a complex, they exhibit synergistic signaling; for instance, the activation of MasR by Angiotensin-(1-7) can enhance D2R-mediated signaling, leading to increased natriuresis (PubMed: 25118216). Research suggests that the disruption or decreased formation of this heteromer contributes to the pathogenesis of essential hypertension and renal injury (PubMed: 30254015). Consequently, the D2R–MasR heteromer represents a novel therapeutic target for treating cardiovascular and renal diseases by leveraging the cooperative effects of dopaminergic and renin-angiotensin system pathways. Pharmacological strategies may involve the use of dual agonists or allosteric modulators to stabilize the heteromer and restore normal renal function (PubMed: 25118216).

Other names

MasR–D2R heteromerD2R–Mas receptor complexAngiotensin-(1-7) receptor–Dopamine D2 receptor heteromerD2R-MasR complex

Synergistic activation of the phospholipase C (PLC) signaling pathway and subsequent inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase activity through bidirectional allosteric modulation within the receptor complex (PubMed: 25118216).