G protein-coupled receptor 179 (GPR179)

G protein-coupled receptor 179 (GPR179) is a member of the class C orphan G protein-coupled receptor family predominantly expressed in the retina, where it is an integral component of ON-bipolar cell signal transduction. Unlike canonical GPCRs that activate G proteins, GPR179 acts as an atypical GPCR by recruiting and regulating R7 group RGS-GNB5 complexes, which promote inactivation of G protein alpha subunits, thereby modulating the metabotropic glutamate receptor 6 (GRM6) signaling pathway essential for normal visual processing[1][2][5][7]. Mutations in GPR179 are associated with autosomal-recessive complete congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB1E), a disorder characterized by impaired night vision but stable daytime vision[1][4][5][7]. Structurally, GPR179 contains an EGF-like calcium-binding domain and participates in large synaptic multimolecular complexes in the retina, including interactions with pikachurin and mGluR6, which establish precise positioning and efficient transmission at photoreceptor synapses[2][3][5]. There are currently no known drugs targeting GPR179, and its complete physiological or pathological involvement beyond retinal function is not established[5].

Other names

GPR158L1GPR158-like 1GPR158LProbable G-protein coupled receptor 179Probable G-protein coupled receptor 158-like 1CSNB1E