G Protein Coupled Receptor 172A (GPR172A)

GPCR41 and GPCR42 act as receptors for porcine endogenous retrovirus subgroup A (PERV-A).The deduced 445-amino acid protein is a putative G protein-coupled receptor and contains 10 or 11 putative transmembrane regions similar to other gammaretrovirus receptors. PAR1 shares significant homology with PAR2 and with PAR proteins from baboon, pig, and mouse. Northern blot analysis using a probe that did not differentiate between PAR1 and PAR2 detected expression in all tissues examined, with the possible exception of bladder. Highest expression was in testis. RT-PCR detected PAR1 and PAR2 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 11 healthy volunteers.Expression of PAR1 and PAR2 did not alter the sensitivity of the rabbit cells to PERV-B or -C. The results suggested that PAR2 may mediate a higher level of PERV infection than PAR1.