Background of the antigen
G protein-coupled receptor 17, GPR17, also known as uracil nucleotide/cysteinyl leukotriene receptor or P2Y-like receptor (P2YL), is a 367 amino acid member of the G-protein coupled receptor 1 family of proteins. While GPR17 is expressed in kidney, heart and umbilical vein endothelial cells, it is expressed in the highest levels in the brain. Upon brain injury, the extracellular concentrations of nucleotides and cysteinyl leukotrienes (CysLTs), two families of endogenous signaling molecules, increase significantly at the site of damage. In some neurons, GPR17, a membrane receptor for uracil nucleotide and CysLTs, is upregulated as well, infiltrating the lesioned area. GPR17 is thought to play a role in mediating neuronal death, remodeling brain circuitries by microglia and initiating remyelination in damaged neurons. Two named isoforms of GPR17 exist as a result of alternative splicing events.
