THE ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF A NOVEL G-PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTOR-REGULATED BY IMMUNOLOGICAL CHALLENGE

Using a degenerate PCR based approach, a fragment of the novel G prote in-coupled receptor, VTR 15-20, was identified from the rat ventral te gmentum. Hybridization screening and RACE PCR were employed to isolate the full length clone. The cDNA encodes a protein of 305 amino acids which shares homology to several orphan as well as known G protein-cou pled receptors, Amino acid analysis demonstrates the VTR 15-20 contain s specific regions conserved among the G protein-coupled receptor supe rfamily. Messenger RNA encoding VTR 15-20 is expressed throughout the mammalian nervous system. Using primary rat culture systems we have de monstrated the expression of VTR 15-20 mRNA in both microglia and astr ocytes. The highest levels of VTR 15-20 mRNA expression are detected i n peripheral tissues including the spleen. Moreover, we have found tha t the expression of VTR 15-20 mRNA in brain and spleen is regulated by immunologic challenge, Based on the cellular distribution and regulat ion by immune challenge and neuronal insult, we hypothesize that VTR 1 5-20 plays a role in neuroimmune function. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B .V.