LGR4 (Leucine-Rich Repeat-Containing G Protein-Coupled Receptor 4), also known as GPR48. is a member of the rhodopsin-like G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family. It is part of the glycoprotein hormone receptor subfamily, characterized by a large extracellular domain with leucine-rich repeats (LRRs) critical for ligand interaction. LGR4 plays pivotal roles in embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and stem cell maintenance by mediating signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin and R-spondin (RSPO)-dependent pathways. Its interaction with RSPO ligands enhances Wnt signaling, promoting cell proliferation, differentiation, and tissue regeneration. Dysregulation of LGR4 is implicated in various diseases, including cancer, osteoporosis, and metabolic disorders, making it a potential therapeutic target.
LGR4 antibodies are essential tools for studying receptor expression, localization, and function in physiological and pathological contexts. They enable detection of LGR4 in tissues or cell lines via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. Some antibodies block ligand-receptor interactions, aiding in functional studies to dissect signaling mechanisms. In therapeutic research, neutralizing antibodies targeting LGR4 are explored for cancer treatment, as aberrant Wnt signaling driven by LGR4 overexpression is linked to tumor growth and metastasis. Additionally, LGR4 antibodies contribute to biomarker discovery, helping correlate receptor levels with disease progression or treatment responses. Their development faces challenges, including ensuring specificity and optimizing binding affinity for clinical applications.