Amylin Receptor

Amylin receptors (AMYRs) are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which respond to the peptide hormones amylin and calcitonin. Amylin was originally discovered as the main constituent of pancreatic islet amyloid deposits in type 2 diabetics and in diabetic cats, amylin is also a physiologically relevant circulating peptide hormone. Amylin receptors are heterodimers comprising the calcitonin receptor, which is a G protein–coupled receptor, and one of three receptor-modifying proteins. An impediment to functional studies is that it is difficult to separate amylin receptor phenotypes from calcitonin receptor phenotypes. Amylin receptors are targets for treating obesity and metabolic disorders.