Role of GPR55 in metabolism

The endocannabinoid system is thought to play a modulatory role in several metabolic processes. GPR55 is a putative cannabinoid receptor with an unknown role in metabolism. Romero-Zerbo and colleagues, focusing on the endocrine pancreas, found high GPR55 mRNA and protein levels in the pancreatic islets of rat, specifically in insulin-secreting β-cells. The agonist O-1602 activates GPR55, resulting in increased intracellular calcium handling, stimulated by glucose, and increased glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. GPR55 thus plays a clear role in glucose homeostasis. Romero-Zerbo et al. (2011) Journal of Endocrinology 211 177-185.

Read the full article at: DOI:10.1530/JOE-11-0166.