GPR39
GPR39 (G protein-coupled receptor 39, also known as ZnR) is a cell-membrane receptor that senses extracellular Zn(2+) and transmits zinc signals. It contributes to glucose homeostasis, gastrointestinal motility, hormone secretion, wound healing and protection against cell death. Browse Assay Genie's current range of GPR39 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
GPR39 is a zinc-sensing receptor that detects changes in extracellular Zn(2+) and mediates Zn(2+) signal transmission. UniProt annotates it as participating in the regulation of numerous physiological processes, including glucose homeostasis, gastrointestinal mobility, hormone secretion and cell death. In keratinocytes, activation by Zn(2+) raises intracellular Ca(2+) and activates the ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT signalling pathways, leading to epithelial repair.
The receptor has several further roles. It is described as essential for normal wound healing, inducing production of cytokines including the major inflammatory cytokine IL-6 through the PKC/MAPK/CEBPB pathway. It regulates adipose tissue metabolism, especially lipolysis, and the function of lipases such as hormone-sensitive lipase and adipose triglyceride lipase. GPR39 also inhibits cell death and protects against oxidative, endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial stress by inducing secretion of the cytoprotective pigment epithelium-derived growth factor (PEDF), in a GNA13/RHOA/SRE-dependent manner. It forms dynamic heteroreceptor complexes with HTR1A and GALR1 depending on cell type or physiological state. The HTR1A-GPR39 complex shows additive signalling along the serum response element (SRE) and NF-kappa-B pathways, whereas GALR1 acts as an antagonist that blocks SRE signalling.
The GPR39 gene belongs to the ghrelin receptor family and encodes a rhodopsin-type G protein-coupled receptor of the GPCR 1 family. HGNC places it among the class A orphan receptors. According to NCBI Gene, the protein is involved in zinc-dependent signalling in epithelial tissue in the intestines, prostate and salivary glands, and may also be involved in the pathophysiology of depression. The mouse ortholog is Gpr39.
GPR39 senses extracellular Zn(2+) and transmits zinc signals, making it a central receptor for studying how zinc acts as a signalling molecule.
Zn(2+) activation in keratinocytes engages ERK/MAPK and PI3K/AKT signalling and IL-6 production, supporting epithelial repair and normal wound healing.
The receptor is implicated in glucose homeostasis and regulates adipose lipolysis and lipases such as hormone-sensitive lipase and adipose triglyceride lipase.
GPR39 protects against oxidative, ER and mitochondrial stress via PEDF, and forms signalling-diverse complexes with HTR1A and GALR1.
GPR39 is a zinc-sensing receptor that detects extracellular Zn(2+) and relays the signal into cells. It is linked to glucose homeostasis, gastrointestinal mobility, hormone secretion, cell death, wound healing, and the regulation of lipolysis in adipose tissue.
Yes. ZnR is a recorded alias of GPR39, reflecting its role as a zinc-sensing receptor. The official name is G protein-coupled receptor 39, and HGNC classes it among the class A orphan G protein-coupled receptors.
A mouse ortholog, Gpr39, is recorded. NCBI Gene notes that the protein may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression and in zinc signalling in intestinal, prostate and salivary gland epithelium. Check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity.
Other G protein-coupled receptors and orphan GPCRs with related research reagents at Assay Genie.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O43194; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.