Sandbox Reserved 1174: Difference between revisions

Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptors (LPA) are part of a larger family known as lysophospholipid receptor family (EDG family), including the archetype sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors (S1P₁). The only structure previously reported in this GPCR family was of S1P₁, and it provides a comparison for differential structure and function to LPA₁. <ref name= "Chrencik"/> A major difference was observed in ligand access between these two receptors.  The binding path in LPA₁ is located in the extracellular milieu, while in S1P₁ the ligand accesses the binding pocket through the membrane (Figure 3). The overall shape of each binding pocket is also different, as the S1P₁ binding pocket has more of an oval shape, whereas [[Image:LPA1vs. SAP1.png|300px|left|thumb|'''Figure 3:''' Comparison of the binding pockets of LPA₁ and S1P₁ receptors]] the LPA₁ binding pocket has a more spherical shape (Figure 3). The more spherical binding pocket for LPA₁ gives it the ability to recognize a larger group of chemical species.  In particular, LPA₁ has the ability to bind with ligands that have acyl chains of varying lengths <ref name= "Chrencik"/>.  Since LPA₁ binds with a variety of acyl chains, it can be used in multiple pathways.  

Thus far the LPA receptors have had physiological effects on every organism that it has been tested with.  There have been studies done looking at what happens with infertility, fibrosis, pain, and cancer when they come into contact with LPA receptors, and what happens when LPA receptors are deleted <ref name= "Chrencik"/>.  LPA receptors are commonly found in serum and saliva. <ref name= "Moolenaar"/>.