The apelin receptor (APJ receptor) has been identified as the endogenous receptor for the peptide apelin. Previous to the identification of apelin, APJ was considered an orphan G protein coupled receptor. The apelin receptor (both by immunohistochemistry and in situ) has been localized to the CNS and is currently thought to play a role in stress response, feeding behavior and haemodynamic homeostasis. However, because of a broad distribution the apelin receptor and its endogenous ligand may be involved in a wide range of biological process yet to be determined. It is an alternative coreceptor with CD4 for HIV-1 infection and maybe involved in the development of AIDS dementia.
APJ: Customer Publications
