CMKLR1

Chemokine like receptor 1 also known as ChemR23 ( Chem erin R eceptor 23 ) is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the CMKLR1 is_associated_with::gene. Chemokine receptor-like 1 is a is_associated_with::G protein-coupled receptor for the chemoattractant adipokine is_associated_with::chemerin and the is_associated_with::omega-3 fatty acid derived molecule resolvin E1. The murine receptor that shares almost 80% homology with the human receptor, is called Dez.

Tissue distribution
CMKLR1 shows wide RNA expression profile but is notably high in plasmacytoid dendritic cells, is_associated_with::macrophages, cardiomyocytes, is_associated_with::adipocytes and endothelial cells.

Function
Activating CMKLR1 by an is_associated_with::agonist mobilizes intracellular calcium and causes the activation of several other signaling cascades like the ERK1 and is_associated_with::NF-κB. Initial studies of CMKLR1 suggested that it might have a role in the inflammatory pathways. Its cognate ligand, chemerin was found in joint aspirate from rheumatoid arthritis and absent in aspirate from degenerative arthritis. CMKLR1 expression by plasmacytoid dendritic cells and macrophages also helped foster this idea. In vitro is_associated_with::chemotaxis assays showed it to be utilized in attracting these cells. As an is_associated_with::adipokine receptor it has a role in is_associated_with::adipogenesis and adipocyte maturation. It seems also to have a role in peripheral is_associated_with::insulin resistance.

Also studies using the mouse is_associated_with::zymosan model and is_associated_with::chemerin peptides showed that these peptides suppressed and helped resolve the is_associated_with::peritonitis in mice. The same model showed that this particular molecule enhances macrophage is_associated_with::efferocytosis (phagocyting apoptotic cells).