Background of the antigen
G protein-coupled receptors (GPRs), also known as seven transmembrane receptors, heptahelical receptors or 7TM receptors, comprise a superfamily of proteins that play a role in many different stimulus-response pathways. G protein coupled receptors translate extracellular signals into intracellular signals (G protein activation) and they respond to a variety of signaling molecules, such as hormones and neurotransmitters. GPR21 is a 349 amino acid multi-pass membrane protein that functions as an orphan receptor and belongs to the GPR1 family. The gene encoding GPR21 maps to human chromosome 9, which houses over 900 genes and comprises nearly 4% of the human genome. Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, which is characterized by harmful vascular defects, and Familial dysautonomia, are both associated with chromosome 9.
