Neurotensin GPCR Family Subtypes and Products
What Are Neurotensin Receptors?
Neurotensin receptors are a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) comprised of two receptor subtypes: NTS1 and NTS2. These receptors bind neurotensin and are primarily found within the brain and intestine. They are involved in a variety of biological processes, such as dopamine transmission, hypotension, lowering gastric acid, lipid digestion, and as an anti-apoptotic for pancreatic cells. NTS1 is currently being researched as a potential drug target for psychotic disorders.
Neurotensin Receptor Information
NTS1
NTS2
Human NTS1 is a 418 amino acid transmembrane protein in the neurotensin receptor family. It is primarily expressed in the central nervous system and in peripheral tissues. The neurotensin family plays an important role in a wide range of biological activities, such as hypotension, hyperglycemia, and regulation of vascular permeability. Recent studies have shown that NTS1 antagonists have great potential to become novel drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease.
Neurotensin is a tridecapeptide that has been shown to act as a neurotransmitter/neuromodulator in the central nervous system and as a local hormone in the periphery. Human NTS2 is a 410 amino acid transmembrane protein in the neurotensin receptor family. It is primarily expressed in the central nervous system and in peripheral tissues. The neurotensin family plays an important role in a wide range of biological activities, such as hypotension, hyperglycemia, and regulation of vascular permeability. NTS2 has a low affinity for neurotensin, but SR 48692 has been proven to be a strong agonist in many recent studies. NTS2 may be an important target in the treatment of pain and stress-related disorders.