| Modification Notes |
G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) are a protein family of transmembrane receptors that transmit an extracellular signal (ligand binding) into an intracellular signal (G protein activation). Relaxin Receptor 2, also known as Relaxin/insulin-like family peptide receptor 2, RXFP2, LGR8, GREAT, GPR106, INSL3R or RXFPR2, is a leucine-rich repeat G protein-coupled receptor that binds Relaxins and INSL3 (insulin-like peptide 3). Expressed in brain, muscle, uterus, kidney, thyroid, testis, bone marrow and peripheral blood cells, Relaxin Receptor 2 localizes to the cell membrane and contains ten LRR (leucine-rich) repeats and an LDL-receptor class A domain. Upon Relaxin or INSL3 binding to Relaxin Receptor 2, adenylate (A) cyclase is activated, leading to an increased intracellular concentration of cAMP. cAMP is a key intracellular regulator; it mediates the activities of numerous hormones and plays an important role in modulating cellular activity. Mutations in the gene encoding Relaxin Receptor 2 can lead to cryptorchidism (impaired testicular descent), a condition associated with a higher risk of infertility and testicular cancer. |