Identification and characterisation of GPR100 as a novel human G‐protein‐coupled bradykinin receptor

G‐protein‐coupled receptor 100 (GPR100) was discovered by searching the human genome database for novel G‐protein‐coupled peptide receptors. Full‐length GPR100 was amplified from a cDNA library of the neuroendocrine cell line BON, which is derived from a human pancreas carcinoid. The open‐reading frame, present on a single exon, coded for a protein of 374 amino acids with highest sequence identity (43%) to the human orphan somatostatin‐ and angiotensin‐like peptide receptor. The analysis of chromosomal localisation mapped the GPR100 gene to chromosome 1q21.2–q21.3. The stable expression of GPR100 in Chinese hamster ovary cells together with aequorin as calcium sensor and the promiscuous G‐protein subunit α 16 as signal transducer revealed bradykinin and kallidin as effectors to elicit a calcium response. Dose–response curves yielded EC 50 values for both ligands in the low nanomolar range, while the respective analogues without arginine at the carboxy‐terminus were inactive. Calcium mobilisation was inhibited by the phospholipase C blocker U73122, but not by pertussis toxin, suggesting the involvement of the G‐protein subunit α q and not α i or α o in signal transduction. In line with the main function of kinins as peripheral hormones, we found that GPR100 was expressed predominantly in tissues like pancreas, heart, skeletal muscle, salivary gland, bladder, kidney, liver, placenta, stomach, jejunum, thyroid gland, ovary, and bone marrow, but smaller amounts were also detected in the brain and in cell lines derived from tumours of various origins.British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 140 , 932–938. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705521