| Modification Notes |
G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs), also known as seven transmembrane receptors, heptahelical receptors or 7TM receptors, comprise a superfamily of proteins that play a role in many different stimulus-response pathways. GPR signaling is an evolutionarily ancient mechanism used by all eukaryotes to sense environmental stimuli and mediate cell-cell communication. G protein-coupled receptors provide attractive targets for drug therapy due to the sheer size and diversity of ligands within this receptor family. GPR180, also designated ITR (intimal thickness-related receptor), is a 440 amino acid protein that is highly expressed in vascular smooth muscle cells where it has been shown to increase the thickness of blood vessel intima. Due to its role in vascular remodeling, GPR180 may represent a potential target for development of drugs in the prevention of vascular restenosis, a condition that is common after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). |