Neuropeptide FF receptor 2 (NPFFR2)

Neuropeptide FF receptor 2 is a member of the class A family of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors primarily activated by neuropeptides such as neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and neuropeptide AF. It plays a significant role in modulating pain perception, regulating the body's response to opioids, controlling food intake, influencing metabolic processes like thermogenesis, and participating in hormonal regulation. The receptor is highly expressed in regions involved with nociception such as the superficial layers of the spinal cord. Recent research has implicated aberrant expression of NPFFR2 in promoting malignancy in hepatocellular carcinoma via RhoA/YAP signaling activation. As a therapeutic target, it is being explored for chronic pain management, metabolic disorders, addiction treatment related to opioids, cardiovascular conditions, inflammation control, and potentially cancer therapy.

Other names

GPR74NPFF2Neuropeptide FF/AF receptor 2

Agonists activate the receptor, leading to Gi/Go-protein signaling that modulates pain, opioid responses, thermogenesis, and other physiological processes. Antagonists block these effects by inhibiting ligand binding or downstream signaling pathways.