Bombesin GPCR Family Subtypes and Products

What Are Bombesin Receptors?

Bombesin receptors are a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) which consists of 3 mammalian subtypes: BB1, BB2, and BB3 receptors. Both BB1 and BB2 are activated by several natural ligands, including neuromedin B and amino acid gastrin-releasing peptide, which is involved in gastrin release from G cells. BB3, however, is an orphan receptor and has no known natural ligand. BB1 and BB2 agonists can stimulate tissue growth and muscle contraction, and also have an effect on the central nervous system. Although the exact role of BB3 is currently unknown, recent studies show a connection to insulin and body temperature regulation. Bombesin receptors could have a major impact in the treatment and detection of human cancers, CNS and behavioral disorders, obesity, and inflammatory conditions like sepsis and arthritis.

Bombesin Receptor Information

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BB1

BB2

BB3

The human BB1 receptor (or Neuromedin B receptor NMBR) is a receptor for neuromedin-B (NMB), which is a mammalian bombesin-like peptide distributed widely in the central nervous system. The BB1 pathway is involved in the regulation of a wide variety of behaviors, such as spontaneous activity, feeding and anxiety-related behavior. A study using BB1-deficient mice suggested that dysfunction in the BB1 pathway may constitute one of the risk factors of stress vulnerability.

The bombesin BB2 receptor (or gastrin-releasing peptide receptor GRPR) is responsible for many physiological actions such as inhibition of feeding, smooth muscle contraction, exocrine and endocrine secretions, thermoregulation, blood pressure and sucrose regulations, and cell growth. BB2 is expressed in the brain, as well as in colon, lung, and prostate cancer cells. The development of potent receptor antagonists that block BB2 receptor responses has potential for new therapeutic treatments in cancer.

The bombesin receptor subtype 3 (BB3 or BRS3) is expressed in the lung (normal and cancer), nasal mucosa, placenta, and uterus. Mice lacking BB3 receptor develop metabolic defects and obesity phenotype, suggesting that BB3 may be an important target for obesity research. In addition, BB3 may be involved in diabetes and hypertension.

Bombesin Cell Lines

Receptor FamilyReceptorSpeciesParentalStable Cell Lines Division-Arrested Cells Membranes
BombesinBB1humanHEK293TC1211DC1211MC1211
BB1ratC6C1211-1DC1211-1MC1211-1
BB2humanHEK293TC1215DC1215MC1215
BB3humanHEK293TC1214DC1214MC1214
BB3humanHEK293TH1214DH1214MH1214