Molecular biology of histidine decarboxylase and prostaglandin receptors

Proc Jpn Acad Ser B Phys Biol Sci. 2010;86(8):848-66. doi: 10.2183/pjab.86.848.

Abstract

Histamine and prostaglandins (PGs) play a variety of physiological roles as autacoids, which function in the vicinity of their sources and maintain local homeostasis in the body. They stimulate target cells by acting on their specific receptors, which are coupled to trimeric G proteins. For the precise understanding of the physiological roles of histamine and PGs, it is necessary to clarify the molecular mechanisms involved in their synthesis as well as their receptor-mediated responses. We cloned the cDNAs for mouse L-histidine decarboxylase (HDC) and 6 mouse prostanoid receptors (4 PGE(2) receptors, PGF receptor, and PGI receptor). We then characterized the expression patterns and functions of these genes. Furthermore, we established gene-targeted mouse strains for HDC and PG receptors to explore the novel pathophysiological roles of histamine and PGs. We have here summarized our research, which should contribute to progress in the molecular biology of HDC and PG receptors.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • DNA, Complementary / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
  • Histamine / chemistry
  • Histidine Decarboxylase / genetics*
  • Histidine Decarboxylase / metabolism
  • Homeostasis
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Models, Biological
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin / genetics*
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin / metabolism
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP3 Subtype / genetics*
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP3 Subtype / metabolism

Substances

  • DNA, Complementary
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin
  • Receptors, Prostaglandin E, EP3 Subtype
  • Histamine
  • Histidine Decarboxylase