G protein-coupled receptor 26 (GPR26)

G protein-coupled receptor 26 (GPR26) is an orphan GPCR with constitutive activity, located primarily in the brain in regions such as the striatum, pons, cerebellum, and cortex. It activates intracellular cAMP signaling via G(s)-alpha protein, influencing emotional behavior, energy balance, and cell differentiation. Loss of GPR26 function in animal models leads to increased anxiety, depression-like behaviors, hyperphagia, metabolic syndrome, and early-onset obesity. Epigenetic silencing is observed in gliomas, where it may act as a tumor suppressor, and altered expression is associated with cancer progression and neurodegeneration. No endogenous ligands or direct therapeutic drugs have been identified; further research is required to validate its role as a clinical drug target

Other names

GPR26Probable G-protein coupled receptor 26G-protein coupled receptor 26

Drugs (hypothetical or investigational) targeting GPR26 would likely modulate GPCR-mediated signal transduction, altering cAMP signaling through G(s)-alpha protein activation