G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), also designated seven transmembrane (7TM) receptors or heptahelical receptors, interact with G proteins (heterotrimeric GTPases) to synthesize intracellular second messengers, such as diacylglycerol, cyclic AMP, inositol phosphates and calcium ions. Their diverse biological functions range from vision and olfaction to neuronal and endocrine signaling and are involved in many pathological conditions. LGR5 (leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptor 5), also known as GPR49 or GPR67, is a 907 amino acid multi-pass membrane protein that contains 17 leucine-rich repeats and belongs to the G protein-coupled receptor family. Expressed in placenta, skeletal muscle and spinal cord, LGR5 functions as an orphan receptor that is thought to play an important role in embryonic growth control and cellular differentiation. Overexpression of LGR5 is associated with increased tumor susceptibility and malignant transformation, implicating LGR5 as a potent tumor-inducing protein.
