The G protein-coupled receptor 39 is a seven transmembrane receptor expressed mainly in endocrine and metabolic tissues and is a member of the ghrelin receptor family. The receptor acts as a Zn++ sensor signaling mainly through Gq and G12/13 pathways. It was first reported to be the receptor for a peptide fragment from the ghrelin precursor named obestatin but later it was reported that obestatin did not activate GPR39 and therefore, the natural ligand for GPR39 is uncertain so far. GPR39 is expressed in the stomach, small intestine and areas of the brain, including the hypothalamus. The expression of GPR39 is regulated by hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)-1alpha and HNF-4alpha and plays an important role in glucose homeostasis and pancreatic islet functions. Deficiency of the GPR39 receptor is associated with obesity and altered adipocyte metabolism. In addition, it has been shown that overexpression of GPR39 contributes to malignant development of human oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
