What is it about?
Cell surface receptors mainly serve to bind specific agonist and antagonist molecules and then activate metabolic transmitters within cells, such as G proteins. Many of the receptors also get promptly driven to cell interior upon attachment of a specific agonist (thus terminating the signaling). That is shown to occur with the Y1 and Y4 receptors in response to agonist binding. The Y2 receptor, which has surface regions that are very active in adhesion, is shown to be poorly taken up in response to agonist binding.
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Why is it important?
The Y2 receptor, while largely serving as cell-to-cell connector, might also perform an extended signaling upon agonist peptide attachment, possibly supporting responses to low inputs of specific agonists. The most specific agonist is bound to the Y2 receptor tightly at extremely low concentrations. and that can assure responses in neuronal activity and in feeding.
Perspectives
The Y2 receptor is largely neglected in regard to its important ability to dynamically regulate cellular contacts. This activity could be critical in spasmodic conditions (including forms of epilepsy) and in maintenance of kidney health, and possibly also of skin health. A detailed examination of roles of the receptor in these conditions and processes could be rewarding to both the investigators (especially young) and therapy of several diseases.
Prof. Steven L Parker
UTHSC Memphis
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Cloned neuropeptide Y (NPY) Y1and pancreatic polypeptide Y4receptors expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells show considerable agonist-driven internalization, in contrast to the NPY Y2receptor, European Journal of Biochemistry, February 2001, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1046/j.1432-1327.2001.01966.x.
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