Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide type 1 receptor (PAC1 receptor)

The **pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide type 1 receptor (PAC1 receptor, PAC1R)** is a member of the class B G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily[1][2][3][5]. It is the principal receptor for the neuropeptide pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), mediating its effects on cyclic AMP (cAMP) production inside the cell[4][1][2]. PAC1R is highly expressed in the central nervous system and selected peripheral tissues, with notable roles in **neuronal survival, synaptic plasticity, neuroprotection, and stress response regulation**[4][6][3]. The receptor is the subject of pharmaceutical research for neurological, psychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases, but its diverse splice isoforms and overlapping peptide-receptor family present both opportunities and challenges in drug discovery[3][5]. Experimental evidence links PAC1R to disease states such as ischemia, PTSD, and other CNS disorders, making it a focus of translational research.

Other names

PACAP type I receptorPAC1RAdenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 1 receptor type IPituitary adenylate cyclase 1 receptor

Agonists/antagonists modulate receptor-mediated activation of adenylate cyclase and downstream cAMP signaling via G protein coupling[4][1][2]. Influences G protein bias and may lead to different cellular outcomes depending on splice isoform[5].