GPR37. also known as the parkin-associated endothelin-like receptor (PAEL-R), is a class A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly expressed in the central nervous system, particularly in oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and subsets of neurons. It features a long extracellular N-terminal domain and seven transmembrane helices, though its endogenous ligands remain partially characterized. Proposed ligands include prosaposin and head activator peptides, which may regulate GPR37 signaling in neurodevelopment and homeostasis.
GPR37 has garnered attention for its potential role in neurological disorders. It interacts with parkin, an E3 ubiquitin ligase linked to autosomal recessive Parkinson’s disease (PD), and its accumulation due to misfolding is implicated in PD pathogenesis. Additionally, GPR37 is associated with Alzheimer’s disease, neuroinflammation, and glioblastoma, where it may influence tumor progression and apoptosis.
Antibodies targeting GPR37 are critical tools for studying its expression, localization, and function. These antibodies—often monoclonal or polyclonal, derived from rabbits or mice—enable techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. Validation in knockout models or siRNA-treated cells is essential to confirm specificity, given GPCRs’ structural similarities. Reliable GPR37 antibodies have facilitated discoveries in disease models, highlighting its potential as a biomarker or therapeutic target. However, challenges persist in elucidating its precise signaling mechanisms and ligand-receptor interactions, underscoring the need for continued research using well-validated reagents.