Vadivel Ganapathy
Tanzania
Review Article
Expression of the Niacin Receptor GPR109A in Retina: More than Meets the Eye?
Author(s): Pamela M Martin, Deeksha Gambhir, Wanwisa Promsote, Vadivel Ganapathy and Debra Moore-HillPamela M Martin, Deeksha Gambhir, Wanwisa Promsote, Vadivel Ganapathy and Debra Moore-Hill
GPR109A was discovered recently as the G-protein coupled receptor for niacin (nicotinic acid), a drug used widely in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Upon its initial discovery, expression of the receptor was thought to be restricted primarily to adipocytes and immune cells (monocytes/macrophages), a pattern of localization consistent with the known actions of niacin – anti-lipolytic and anti-atherogenic. Of late however, several new reports have arisen detailing expression of the receptor in other cell and tissue types. Interestingly, with the exception of dermal Langerhans cells, the cells responsible for skin flushing, an unwanted side effect of high-dose niacin therapy, the function of the receptor in the additional cell types described is largely anti-inflammatory in nature. The receptor might also have a role in cancer; silencing of the receptor has been reported in colon .. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2161-1459.S3-003