Endocrine Abstracts

The formylated peptide receptors comprise a polymorphic family of seven transmembrane domain Gi-protein-coupled receptors. Three family members have been characterised in man (FPR, FPRL1 and FPRL2) and eight in mice (Fpr1, Fpr-rs1 to Fpr-rs7) (1). FPR was originally identified as a receptor for formylated bacterial peptides but recent studies suggest that it is also a target for annexin 1 (ANXA1) (2), a protein mediator of glucocorticoid action in the neuroendocrine system (3). Our functional studies have discounted a role for Fpr1 (equivalent to human FPR) as a pituitary ANXA1 receptor suggested that other family members are important in this regard. According we examined the expression of FPR family members by RT-PCR in murine tissues (pituitary, hypothalamus, adrenal, cerebral cortex) and pituitary cell lines (TtT/GF, folliculostellate; AtT20, corticotroph). The results reveal a tissue-specific pattern of receptor distribution. Significantly, and in line with our functional data (3), Fpr1 was not expressed in primary pituitary tissue. However, Fpr-rs1 and Fpr-rs6 were abundant and thus represent potential targets for ANXA1. These receptors were also prevalent in the adrenal gland and hypothalamus, while Fpr-rs2 was strongly expressed only in the hypothalamus. Functional studies are now required to explore the roles of these receptors.

1. Gao et al.(1998) Genomics, 51, 270

2. Walther et al., (2000) Mol Cell, 5, 831

3. John et al., (2004) TEMS, 13, 103

Generously supported by the Wellcome Trust