BB - Bombesin Receptor | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background

 Bombesin receptors are a family of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that respond to the peptide ligands known as bombesins. These receptors play diverse roles in various physiological processes, including neurotransmission, gastrointestinal function, appetite regulation, and tumor growth. Bombesin receptors are activated by bombesin-like peptides, including gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and neuromedin B (NMB). These endogenous ligands bind to and activate specific subtypes of bombesin receptors, eliciting various physiological responses.

Structural Features

 Bombesin receptors, like other GPCRs, possess a characteristic seven-transmembrane domain structure. They consist of an extracellular N-terminus and an intracellular C-terminus, which interact with intracellular signaling molecules upon ligand binding. Bombesin receptor activation leads to downstream signaling events mediated by heterotrimeric G proteins.

Subtypes and Classification

There are three primary subtypes of bombesin receptors:

1. BB1 (GRPR): Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor, predominantly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, and certain cancer cells.
2. BB2 (NMBR): Neuromedin B receptor, primarily found in the central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, and peripheral tissues.
3. BB3 (BRS3): Bombesin receptor subtype 3, expressed in various tissues, including the brain, gastrointestinal tract, adipose tissue, and reproductive organs.

Physiological Functions

 Bombesin receptors play diverse roles in different tissues and organ systems

1. Neurotransmission: Bombesin receptors are involved in neurotransmission in the central nervous system, modulating processes such as nociception, anxiety, and stress responses.
2. Gastrointestinal Function: Bombesin receptors regulate gastrointestinal motility, secretion, and appetite, influencing processes such as gastric emptying, intestinal transit, and food intake.
3. Tumor Growth: Aberrant bombesin receptor signaling is implicated in tumor growth, metastasis, and angiogenesis in various cancer types, making them potential targets for cancer therapy.
4. Reproductive Function: Bombesin receptors are expressed in reproductive tissues and are involved in reproductive physiology, including gamete function and hormone secretion.

Clinical Implications

Dysregulation of bombesin receptor signaling has been associated with various pathological conditions:

1. Cancer: Altered bombesin receptor expression and signaling are implicated in the pathogenesis of several cancers, including lung cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer.
2. Neurological Disorders: Abnormal bombesin receptor activity may contribute to neurological disorders such as anxiety disorders, depression, and chronic pain conditions.
3. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Dysregulated bombesin receptor signaling is associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and gastrointestinal cancers.

Therapeutic Potential

Bombesin receptors represent potential targets for therapeutic intervention in cancer and other diseases. Pharmacological modulation of bombesin receptor activity, either through agonists, antagonists, or allosteric modulators, holds promise for the development of novel therapies targeting these receptors.