The emerging role of GPR50 receptor in brain

• We discuss the role of GPR50 receptor in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling.
• We discuss the role of GPR50 receptor in the leptin signaling, adaptive thermogenesis, and torpor.
• GPR50 receptor expression can affect the neurite outgrowth.
• We discuss the role of GPR50 receptor in the self-renewal and neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells NPCs.

GPR50 receptor one of the member of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) is extensively expressed in the pituitary, hypothalamus,cortex, midbrain, pons, amygdala, and in several brainstem nuclei. The exact function of this receptor in brain is remains unclear. This review presents current knowledge regarding the function of GPR50 receptor in brain, with a focus on role of this receptor in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling, leptin signaling, adaptive thermogenesis, torpor, neurite outgrowth, and self-renewal and neuronal differentiation of neural progenitor cells NPCs. Although the results are encouraging, further research is needed to clarify GPR50 role in neurobiology of mood disorders, adaptive thermogenesis, torpor, and in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders.