LGR5

LGR5, also known as G-protein coupled receptor 49 (GPR49) or G-protein coupled receptor 67 (GPR67) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the LGR5 gene. it is a receptor for R-spondins that potentiates the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and acts as a stem cell marker of the intestinal epithelium and the hair follicle. Upon binding to R-spondins (RSPO1, RSPO2, RSPO3 or RSPO4), it associates with phosphorylated LRP6 and frizzled receptors that are activated by extracellular Wnt receptors, triggering the canonical Wnt signaling pathway to increase expression of target genes. In contrast to classical G-protein coupled receptors, it does not activate heterotrimeric G-proteins to transduce the signal. Moreover, it is involved in the development and/or maintenance of the adult intestinal stem cells during postembryonic development.