Mouse Neurotensin Receptor 1, High Affinity (NTSR1) Protein

Background

NTSR1 is a G protein-coupled receptor that binds neurotensin (NT), a neuropeptide involved in modulating neurotransmission, inflammation, and cell proliferation. NTSR1 is highly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in the hypothalamus, midbrain, and limbic structures, where it regulates dopamine signaling, thermoregulation, and nociception. NTSR1 couples to Gq/11 proteins, activating phospholipase C (PLC), increasing intracellular calcium, and stimulating downstream pathways like MAPK and PI3K/Akt. In the periphery, NTSR1 is expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and immune cells, where it regulates gut motility, inflammation, and pain perception. Dysregulation of NTSR1 signaling is associated with neurological disorders, schizophrenia, cancer progression, and chronic pain. NTSR1 agonists are being explored for their neuroprotective and analgesic effects, while NTSR1 antagonists are being investigated for treating cancer due to the receptor’s role in promoting tumor cell proliferation and survival.