Understudied g protein-coupled receptors in the kidney

Abstract

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell surface proteins which play a key role in allowing cells, tissues, and organs to respond to changes in the external environment in order to maintain homeostasis. Despite the fact that GPCRs are known to play key roles in a variety of tissues, there are a large subset of GPCRs that remain poorly studied. In this minireview, we will summarize what is known regarding the "understudied"GPCRs with respect to renal function, and in so doing will highlight the promise represented by studying this gene family.