Recombinant Human LEPR/CD295 protein (His tag)

Background

Leptin Receptor or CD295 belongs to the gp130 family of cytokine receptors that are known to stimulate gene transcription via activation of cytosolic STAT proteins. This protein is a receptor for leptin (an adipocyte-specific hormone that regulates body weight), and is involved in the regulation of fat metabolism, as well as in a novel hematopoietic pathway that is required for normal lymphopoiesis. Leptin Receptor/CD295 is a transmembrane catalytic receptors found on NPY/AgRP and alpha-MSH/CART neurons in hypothalamic nuclei. Leptin receptors (Ob-Rs) are coded for by one human gene that produces six different isoforms; Ob-Ra - Ob-Rf. Ob-Rs exist as constitutive dimers at physiological expression levels. Only the Ob-Rb isoform can transduce intracellular signals and does so through activation of the JAK2/STAT3, PI 3-K and MAPK signaling cascades. Activation of Ob-Rs mediates transcriptional regulation of the hypothalamic melanocortin pathway and downregulates endocannabinoid expression. Leptin acts via leptin receptors. Leptin resistance has been proposed as a pathophysiological mechanism of obesity. In obese individuals, Ob-Ra (which is involved in active transport of leptin across the blood-brain barrier) expression is downregulated and the individual may be unresponsive to leptin signals. Ob-R antagonists are of great interest in the development of pharmacological treatments for obesity. Mutations in Leptin Receptor/CD295 have been associated with obesity and pituitary dysfunction.