G protein-coupled receptor 149 (GPR149)

G protein-coupled receptor 149 (GPR149) is a member of the class A (rhodopsin-like) seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor family, characterized by highly conserved structure but lacking the canonical DRY motif needed for traditional G protein coupling. GPR149 is considered an orphan receptor as its endogenous ligand and signaling pathways are unknown. It is encoded by the GPR149 gene, is highly expressed in oocytes, and present at lower levels in the brain and digestive tract. Knockout studies in mice reveal increased fertility, suggesting roles in negative regulation of ovulation and oocyte maturation. There is evidence of its potential involvement in prostatic cancerogenesis, making it a possible cancer biomarker. While GPR149 is a theoretical therapeutic target, its pharmacologic tractability remains unproven, with no established drugs or known ligands. The receptor may play additional physiological roles such as in energy homeostasis, but overall, detailed molecular function and disease associations are only partially understood.

Other names

Probable G-protein coupled receptor 149G-protein coupled receptor PGR10PGR10IEDAR359630018L10RIK

Not established. As an orphan GPCR, the exact mechanism is unknown; typical GPCR signaling involves agonist-induced conformational change, G-protein activation, and downstream effector modulation, but the endogenous ligand for GPR149 is not identified.