Characterisation of the adiponectin receptors: The non-conserved N-terminal region of AdipoR2 prevents its expression at the cell-surface

► AdipoR1, but not AdipoR2, exhibits constitutive cell-surface expression. ► The non-conserved residues of AdipoR2 (residues 1-81) act as a 'brake'. ► Co-expression of AdipoR2 with AdipoR1 results in homo- and hetero-dimerization. ► Co-expression of AdipoR2 with AdipoR1 leads to cell-surface expression of AdipoR2.