MOLECULAR-CLONING AND EXPRESSION OF A CDNA-ENCODING A RECEPTOR FOR PITUITARY ADENYLATE-CYCLASE ACTIVATING POLYPEPTIDE (PACAP)

We have cloned and sequenced a novel cDNA (RPR7) encoding a receptor f or pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP). RPR7 wa s identified by PCR of rat pituitary cDNA, and full-length clones were isolated from a rat olfactory bulb cDNA library. When expressed in CO S cells, RPR7 was functionally coupled to increases in intracellular c yclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) in response to stimulation by PAC AP-38, PACAP-27, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and peptide histi dine isoleucine (PHI). The order of potency of these ligands was PACAP -38 is similar to PACAP-27 > VIP > PHI, suggesting that the receptor c orresponds to the pharmacologically characterised PACAP Type I recepto r.