Protein-coding gene in the species Homo sapiens
Lysophosphatidic acid receptor 6, also known as LPA6, P2RY5 and GPR87, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LPAR6 gene.[5][6][7][8] LPA6 is a G protein-coupled receptor that binds the lipid signaling molecule lysophosphatidic acid (LPA).[9][10]
The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the family of G-protein coupled receptors, that are preferentially activated by adenosine and uridine nucleotides. This gene aligns with an internal intron of the retinoblastoma susceptibility gene in the reverse orientation.[8]
Role in hair growth/loss
In February 2008, researchers at the University of Bonn announced they have found the genetic basis of two distinct forms of inherited hair loss, opening a broad path to treatments for baldness. They found that mutations in the gene P2RY5 causes a rare, inherited form of hair loss called hypotrichosis simplex. It is the first receptor in humans known to play a role in hair growth. The fact that any receptor plays a specific role in hair growth was previously unknown to scientists, and with this new knowledge a focus on finding more of these genes may be able to lead to therapies for many different types of hair loss.[9][11]
In 2013, it was found that mutations in LPAR6 give rise to the Cornish Rex cat breed, which has a form of ectodermal dysplasia characterised by short woolly hair which is susceptible to loss.[12]
Cell surface receptor: G protein-coupled receptors
Purine receptor modulators