orphanreseptoreita
Orphan receptors are a class of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that have been identified through genomic and expressed sequence tag (EST) analysis but for which no endogenous ligand has yet been discovered. These receptors represent a significant portion of the GPCR superfamily, highlighting the vastness of our understanding of cellular signaling pathways. Their discovery has been primarily driven by the Human Genome Project and related sequencing efforts, which have revealed a wealth of potential new drug targets.
The term "orphan" signifies the lack of a known natural ligand, not that the receptor is inactive
The study of orphan receptors is a dynamic field with significant implications for drug discovery and the