LGR5/GPR49 [8G9]

Leucine-rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is a seven-transmembrane G-protein coupled receptor (GPR49). It belongs to the family of glycoprotein hormone receptor family. LGR5 is present in the endometrium layer. The LGR5 gene is located on human chromosome location 12q21.1. LGR5 binds to R-spondin and enhances the Wnt/ β-catenin pathway. It stimulates tumor progression and induces colorectal cancer development. Lgr5 acts as a potential stem cell marker in numerous adult tissues. It has pathological significance in various cancers, like breast, colon, stomach, liver and esophagus. Elevated expression of LGR5 is associated with breast, ovarian, colon and hepatocellular cancers. Breast cancer patients with high-grade ER- and high levels of LGR5 expression often die due to breast cancer. Most fatal cases of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were LGR5+. Some studies find that the LGR5 expression pattern can be used as a biomarker to identify patients that need therapy, and that LGR5 could be a therapeutic target for high-grade ER- breast cancer.