Anti-Ghrelin Receptor (GHSR) (extracellular) Antibody

Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid peptide, acylated on a serine residue which is essential for its biological activity^1,2. In rodents, an additional form of the peptide could be purified. The peptide is released from the stomach and exerts its effect on the ghrelin receptor (GHS-R). GHS-R is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) superfamily. Like all members, the receptor has seven transmembrane spanning domains and upon activation it stimulates phospholipase C, thereby increasing IP₃ and intracellular Ca²⁺ levels^1,3.

GHS-R is expressed in the hypothalamus, pituitary and hippocampus^1,3.

Some of the actions of ghrelin include the stimulation of growth hormone release, food intake, fat accumulation, regulation of memory and learning, activation of reward-related pathways and neuroprotection to name a few^1,3.

GHS-R 1b is a truncated form of the full length receptor which is also expressed. Although its exact functions are unknown, it is believed that it may be involved in downregulating signaling from the full length receptor⁴. In addition, it is overexpressed in lung cancer where it dimerizes with neurotensin receptor^4,5.