Abstract
The melatonin receptor family is a small group of receptors within the G protein-coupled receptor ( GPCR) superfamily. The group comprises of three subtypes which bind melatonin and one member, the melatonin related receptor (MRR), that shares > 40% sequence identity with the other melatonin receptors but does not bind melatonin. Identification of two subtypes expressed in the mouse suprachiasmatic nucleus, one of which (MT1) inhibits neuronal. ring and the other (MT2) mediating the phase advancing properties of melatonin has given renewed interest to the development of subtype specific compounds for each of the mammalian melatonin receptors. Towards this goal site-directed and chimaeric receptor mutagenesis studies have been performed which have provided some insight into the structure - function relationships of the melatonin receptors. Furthermore, these studies may lead to the identification of the ligand for the orphan MRR.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 221-230 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Pineal Research |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 4 |
Early online date | 2 Oct 2003 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 2003 |
Keywords
- circadian rhythm
- mutagenesis
- polymorphisms
- seasonality
- signal transduction
- suprachiasmatic circadian clock
- protein-coupled receptors
- rythm sleep disorders
- ovine pars tuberalis
- ligand-binding
- signal-transduction
- Siberian hamsters
- adenylate-cyclase
- phase advances
- human MEL(1A)