Neuropeptide S Receptor (NPSR)

The neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor superfamily of integral membrane proteins which binds neuropeptide S (NPS). It was formally an orphan receptor, GPR154, until the discovery of neuropeptide S as the endogenous ligand.In the CNS, activation of the NPSR by NPS promotes arousal and anxiolytic-like effects.In addition, mututations in NPSR have been linked to a susceptibility to asthma. Hence NPSR has also been called GPRA (G protein-coupled receptor for asthma susceptibility). Activation of NPSR in the airway epithelium has a number of effects including upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases which are involved in the pathogenesis of asthma.