The APJ receptor cloned in 1993 found its ligand in 1998 with the discovery of apelin. The presence of APJ in the central nervous system (more particularly in the hypothalamus) and in various tissues (heart, blood vessels, stomach, etc.) makes it a potential pharmacological target. Interest in APJ has allowed the development of peptidic molecules able to stimulate and/or inhibit the receptor and, more recently, to discover another endogenous ligand: apela. Among the functions regulated by the APJ/apelin system, the control of energy metabolism appears today in the forefront. A better understanding of the pharmacology of APJ receptor should allow innovative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of metabolic diseases.
© 2015 médecine/sciences – Inserm.