# Orphan Receptors in Regulation of Neuronal G Protein Signaling

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · 2022 · $640,152

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways mediate actions of hormones and
neurotransmitters. They are essential for normal function of the nervous system, frequently disrupted in many
neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions and/or exploited for therapeutic purposes. While we learned
considerable information about molecular players involved in traditional GPCR signaling, many critical gaps
remain. Among biggest uncharted territories in the field is an issue of “orphan” GPCRs, receptors with
unknown signaling mechanisms. It is generally recognized that orphan receptors have tremendous potential for
uncovering novel biology of the nervous system and harnessing it for potential therapeutic benefits. Our long-
term goal is to understand principles in organization and functional regulation of poorly explored GPCR
pathways in the effort to develop better treatments for brain disorders.
 The focus of our attention is on poorly understood orphan receptor- GPR158, yet one of the most
abundant GPCRs in the brain. We found that GPR158 plays a pivotal role in stress-induced depression. Its
expression is induced by glucocorticoids and is upregulated in patients with major depressive disorder.
Conversely, GPR158 elimination in mice produces marked anti-depressant phenotype and stress resilience. At
the molecular level, GPR158 recruits negative regulator of G protein signaling, RGS7 to the plasma membrane
impacting production of the second messenger cAMP to control synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability.
The proposal is focused on filling two biggest gaps in our understanding of GPR158 biology: its activation
mechanisms and identity of effectors mediating its effects on neuronal circuitry underlying affective states.
Intriguingly, our Preliminary Data revealed network of GPR158 extracellular interactions with the cell-
adhesion like proteins and pointed to a cAMP-modulated K+ channel complex as a possible signaling mediator.
 Based on accumulated preliminary data we hypothesize that GPR158 transduces signals triggered by
extracellular binding partners into changes of neuronal excitability by engaging inhibitory ion channel complex.
This hypothesis will be tested by pursuing three complementary Specific Aims that seek to: (1) determine
molecular mechanisms by which GPR158 transduces its signals, (2) dissect circuits that rely on GPR158
action to exert behavioral effects and (3) probe the involvement of the K+ channel complex in mediating the
effect of GPR158 on neuronal excitability. The strategy proposed to address these Aims will entail a synergistic
combination of biochemical, electrophysiological and cell-biological approaches, exploiting the existence of a
powerful array of technologies and animal models. We hope that accomplishment of these goals will provide
critical new insights into the mood regulation in mammals and suggest novel targets for the development of
therapeutic interventions.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10358596
- **Project number:** 6R01MH105482-08
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA
- **Principal Investigator:** Kirill A. Martemyanov
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $640,152
- **Award type:** 6
- **Project period:** 2015-08-06 → 2025-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10358596

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10358596, Orphan Receptors in Regulation of Neuronal G Protein Signaling (6R01MH105482-08). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10358596. Licensed CC0.

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