MRGX2: Small Molecules and Peptides

MRGX2 (MAS-related GPR, member X2) is G-protein coupled 7-transmembrane protein that is selectively expressed in small-diameter sensory neurons of dorsal root ganglia. Human MRGX shares 41-52% amino acid identity with three other primate MRGX proteins, but has no ortholog in rodents. Binding of ligands such as cortistatin, proadrenaomedullin peptides (PAMP-12 and -20) and basic peptides (substance P, neuropeptide Y) to MRGX2 can activate Gq or Gi regulated pathways. MRGX2 is thought to influence nociception and promote adrenal gland catecholamine secretion and IgE-independent mast cell degranulation.