GPR68

GPR68 is a gene that encodes the Ovarian cancer G-protein coupled receptor 1 (OGR1), which is a member of the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. GPCRs are a large family of cell surface receptors that respond to a variety of external signals and initiate intracellular signaling pathways. GPR68 is expressed in various tissues, including the ovary, lung, heart, and brain, and plays a significant role in pH sensing and regulation of cellular functions.

Function[edit | edit source]

GPR68 functions as a proton-sensing receptor, responding to extracellular pH changes. It is involved in the regulation of various physiological processes, including acid-base homeostasis, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. When the extracellular pH drops, GPR68 is activated, leading to a series of intracellular signaling cascades that can affect cell behavior. This pH sensitivity makes GPR68 particularly important in environments where pH fluctuates, such as in tumor microenvironments, where it can influence tumor growth and metastasis.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

The role of GPR68 in cancer has garnered interest due to its expression in various cancer types and its involvement in cancer cell proliferation and survival. Its function in pH sensing makes it a potential target for cancer therapy, as manipulating GPR68 activity could affect the survival of cancer cells in the acidic tumor microenvironment. Additionally, GPR68 has been implicated in other diseases, such as inflammatory diseases and cardiovascular diseases, where its role in cell signaling and pH regulation could contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research on GPR68 is ongoing, with studies focusing on understanding its signaling mechanisms, its role in disease, and how it can be targeted for therapeutic purposes. The development of specific agonists and antagonists for GPR68 could provide new tools for modulating its activity in various diseases.