| Modification Notes |
GPR14 (G-protein-coupled receptor), also designated SENR (sensory epithelium neuropeptide-like receptor), was initially cloned as an ‘orphan’ receptor, which is a receptor that binds an unidentified natural ligand (1–3). Further studies have shown that urotensin II (UII), a cyclic neuropeptide, binds to GPR14 with very high affinity (1,2,4–6). Subsequently, cells transfected with GPR14 experience an increase in calcium concentration upon binding of urotensin II (1,2). It is the calcium influx and localization of GPR14 in heart tissues that suggests GPR14 may play a role in the contraction of vascular smooth muscles in response to the specific binding of urotensin II (1,2). GPRI4 is also detected in pancreas and, to a lesser extent, in brain tissues (1,2). |