orphan G protein-coupled receptor 176, member of the rhodopsin-like class A GPCR family
GPR176 is a putative G protein-coupled receptor that belongs to the class A GPCR superfamily; no endogenous ligand for GPR176 has yet been identified. The class A rhodopsin-like GPCRs represent a widespread protein family that includes the light-sensitive rhodopsin as well as receptors for biogenic amines, lipids, nucleotides, odorants, peptide hormones, and a variety of other ligands. All GPCRs have a common structural architecture comprising of seven-transmembrane (TM) alpha-helices interconnected by three extracellular and three intracellular loops. A general feature of GPCR signaling is agonist-induced conformational changes in the receptors, leading to activation of the heterotrimeric G proteins, which consist of the guanine nucleotide-binding G-alpha subunit and the dimeric G-beta-gamma subunits. The activated G proteins then bind to and activate numerous downstream effector proteins, which generate second messengers that mediate a broad range of cellular and physiological processes.
Comment:based on the structures of some class A family members with bound ligands (peptides or chemicals), agonists, or antagonists
Comment:Small-molecule chemical ligands tend to bind deeper within the receptor core, compared to a peptide ligand neurotensin, which binds towards the extracellular surface of its receptor.