Trace amine-associated receptors as emerging therapeutic targets.

Full Abstract

Endogenous trace amines (TAs) of unknown biological function are structurally related to classic monoaminergic neurotransmitters and found at low concentrations in the mammalian brain. Their recently discovered group of G protein-coupled receptors, trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs), may represent putative targets not only for trace and other amines but also for a variety of monoaminergic compounds, including amphetamines and monoamine metabolites. The trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1), which is in part associated with the monoaminergic neuronal circuitry controlling various functions, including movement, is the best characterized of the class, although little is known about its regulation and function. Here we review the pharmacology and biochemical properties of the TAAR1 and its physiological functions as revealed in studies involving knockout mice lacking this receptor. Potential therapeutic applications of future selective TAAR1 agonists and antagonists are also discussed. Although understanding of biology and functions mediated by other TAARs is still in its infancy, it is expected that further characterization of the functional roles and biochemical properties of TAARs and identification of endogenous and exogenous ligands will eventually promote these receptors as an attractive class of targets to correct monoaminergic processes that could be dysfunctional in a host of disorders of brain and periphery.

Author information

Author/s: Sotnikova, Tatyana D (TD); Caron, Marc G (MG); Gainetdinov, Raul R (RR);

Affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Brain Technologies, Italian Institute of Technology, Genova, Italy.

Grants: 1U01-DA022950 (Agency:NIDA NIH HHS) ; NS19576 (Agency:NINDS NIH HHS)

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Review

Journal: Molecular pharmacology (Mol Pharmacol), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Aug; vol 76 (issue 2) : pp 229-35

Dates: Created 2009/07/21; Completed 2009/08/17;

PMID: 19389919, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 8/21/2009)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Animals
Biogenic Amines - metabolism; pharmacology
Forecasting
Mice

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Biogenic Amines (0) ; Neurotransmitter Agents (0) ; Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled (0) ; Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (0)

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