Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 (LPAR6)

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6 is a member of the non-endothelial differentiation gene (EDG) family of LPA receptors, classified as a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)[1][2][4][7][8]. It is activated by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), a bioactive phospholipid. LPAR6 is distinct from other LPA receptors due to its unique ligand-binding pocket and signaling characteristics. It couples primarily to Gα12/13 and Gαi proteins, regulating pathways that control cytoskeletal dynamics, cell proliferation, and migration. LPAR6 is crucial for hair follicle formation—mutations or gene deletion cause congenital alopecia in both zebrafish and humans. Recent evidence indicates that LPAR6 also influences cancer development, sometimes acting as a tumor suppressor (particularly in breast cancer), while in other contexts it may promote tumorigenesis. The receptor’s diverse and context-dependent biological effects, along with emerging structural data, make it a promising but complex therapeutic target[1][3][7][8]. Notes: - The abbreviation "LPAR6" is well-established; "Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6" is the precise recommended name[7][8]. - "P2Y5" is the most common historical alias; family and classification place it within Family A GPCRs, not the "EDG" LPA receptor sub-family[7][8]. - Endogenous ligand is lysophosphatidic acid; there are research compounds and tool molecules, but no drugs in clinical use directly targeting this receptor[8][1]. - There is no indication of a fundamental naming error or misidentification in the provided target. References: [1][2][3][4][5][7][8]

Other names

P2Y5GPR87

Endogenous agonist (lysophosphatidic acid) binds LPAR6, triggering G-protein signaling via Gα12/13 or Gαi, leading to downstream effects including Rho/ROCK activation, cAMP modulation, and cytoskeletal changes[1][7]