leucine-rich repeats-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4, member of the class A family of seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptors
The leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein coupled receptor Lgr4 (formerly known as Gpr48), together with its close family members LGR5 and LGR6, is structurally related to the glycoprotein hormone receptor family, which includes the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor, the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptor, and the pituitary thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor. LGR4-6 are receptors for the R-spondin (Rspo) family of secreted proteins containing two N-terminal furin-like repeats and a thrombospondin domain. The Rspo proteins are involved in regulating proliferation and differentiation of adult stem cells by potently enhancing the WNT-stimulated beta-catenin signaling. LGR4 is broadly expressed in proliferating cells, and its deficient mice display development defects in multiple organs. LGR5 acts as a marker for resident stem cell in numerous epithelial cell layers, including small intestine, colon, stomach, and kidney. LGR6 also serves as a marker of multipotent stem cells in the hair follicle that generate all skin cell lineages. Members of this group are characterized by a very large extracellular N-terminal domain containing 17 leucine-rich repeats (LRRs), flanked by cysteine-rich N- and C-terminal capping domains, and the extracellular domain is responsible for high-affinity binding with the Rspo proteins.
Comment:based on the structures of some class A family members with bound ligands (peptides or chemicals), agonists, or antagonists
Comment:Small-molecule chemical ligands tend to bind deeper within the receptor core, compared to a peptide ligand neurotensin, which binds towards the extracellular surface of its receptor.