Prostaglandin EP and FP receptors (EP and FP receptors)

Prostaglandin EP and FP receptors are a group of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that mediate the biological actions of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α). The EP receptor family consists of four distinct subtypes (EP1, EP2, EP3, and EP4), while the FP receptor is primarily represented by a single type with various splice variants. These receptors are widely distributed throughout the body and regulate essential physiological functions such as smooth muscle tone, renal water and sodium handling, and reproductive processes like labor and ovulation. In disease states, they are heavily involved in the mediation of pain, inflammation, and the progression of certain cancers. Pharmacologically, FP receptor agonists are a mainstay in the treatment of glaucoma due to their ability to lower intraocular pressure by increasing aqueous humor outflow. EP receptor-targeted drugs are used for diverse indications, including labor induction, gastrointestinal protection, and the management of erectile dysfunction.

Other names

Prostanoid receptorsPGE2 receptorsPGF2alpha receptorsPTGERPTGFRE-prostanoid receptorsF-prostanoid receptors

Agonism (activation of Gs, Gq, or Gi signaling pathways depending on subtype) and Antagonism (blocking endogenous prostaglandin binding)