Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 3 (HCA₃), also known as niacin receptor 2 (NIACR2) and GPR109B, is a

protein Proteins are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residue (biochemistry), residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including Enzyme catalysis, catalysing metab ...

which in humans is encoded by the ''HCAR3''

gene In biology, the word gene has two meanings. The Mendelian gene is a basic unit of heredity. The molecular gene is a sequence of nucleotides in DNA that is transcribed to produce a functional RNA. There are two types of molecular genes: protei ...

. HCA₃, like the other

hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor The hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor (abbreviated HCA receptor and HCAR) family includes the following human proteins: * Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 1 (HCA1, formerly known as GPR81) * Hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 2 (HCA2, formerly known as ...

s HCA₁ and HCA₂, is a

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 ...

(GPCR). The primary

endogenous Endogeny, in biology, refers to the property of originating or developing from within an organism, tissue, or cell. For example, ''endogenous substances'', and ''endogenous processes'' are those that originate within a living system (e.g. an ...

agonists An agonist is a chemical that activates a receptor to produce a biological response. Receptors are cellular proteins whose activation causes the cell to modify what it is currently doing. In contrast, an antagonist blocks the action of the agon ...

of HCA₃ are

3-hydroxyoctanoic acid 3-Hydroxyoctanoic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that is naturally produced in humans, other animals, and plants. 3-Hydroxyoctanoic acid is the primary endogenous agonist of hydroxycarboxylic acid receptor 3 (HCA3), a G protein-coupled receptor pro ...

and

kynurenic acid Kynurenic acid (KYNA or KYN) is a product of the normal metabolism of amino acid -tryptophan. It has been shown that kynurenic acid possesses neuroactive activity. It acts as an antiexcitotoxic and anticonvulsant, most likely through acting as an ...

. HCA₃ is also a low-affinity

biomolecular target A biological target is anything within a living organism to which some other entity (like an endogenous ligand or a drug) is directed and/or binds, resulting in a change in its behavior or function. Examples of common classes of biological targets ...

for

niacin Nicotinic acid, or niacin, is an organic compound and a vitamer of vitamin B3, an essential human nutrient. It is produced by plants and animals from the amino acid tryptophan. Nicotinic acid is also a prescription medication. Amounts f ...

(aka nicotinic acid).

References

External links

* G protein-coupled receptors {{gene-12-stub

References

Further reading

External links