Latrophilins are a group of highly conserved
G-protein coupled receptor
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), also known as seven-(pass)-transmembrane domain receptors, 7TM receptors, heptahelical receptors, serpentine receptors, and G protein-linked receptors (GPLR), form a large group of evolutionarily-related p ...
s from the
adhesion G protein-coupled receptor family. These receptors were originally identified based on their ability to bind to a component of
black widow spider
''Latrodectus'' is a broadly distributed genus of spiders with several species that are commonly known as the true widows. This group is composed of those often loosely called black widow spiders, brown widow spiders, and similar spiders. Howeve ...
venom
Venom or zootoxin is a type of toxin produced by an animal that is actively delivered through a wound by means of a bite, sting, or similar action. The toxin is delivered through a specially evolved ''venom apparatus'', such as fangs or a st ...
known as
alpha-latrotoxin.
This conserved family of membrane proteins has up to three homologues in chordate species, including humans.
The precise functions of latrophilins remain unknown.
Genetic defects in latrophilin genes have been associated with diseases such as
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by excessive amounts of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that are pervasive, impairing in multiple contexts, and otherwise age-inappr ...
and
cancer
Cancer is a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumors, which do not spread. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal b ...
.
Human proteins containing this domain
* Latrophilin 1 (
LPHN1)
* Latrophilin 2 (
LPHN2)
* Latrophilin 3 (
LPHN3)
See also
*
ELTD1
References
{{Acetylcholine metabolism and transport modulators