CXCR7

C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7 (CXCR-7) is a is_associated_with::protein that in humans is encoded by the CXCR7 is_associated_with::gene.

This gene encodes a member of the is_associated_with::G protein-coupled receptor family. This protein was earlier thought to be a receptor for vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and was considered to be an orphan receptor. It is now classified as a is_associated_with::chemokine receptor able to bind the chemokines is_associated_with::CXCL12/SDF-1 and is_associated_with::CXCL11. The protein is also a coreceptor for human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV). Translocations involving this gene and HMGA2 on chromosome 12 have been observed in lipomas. Alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding the same protein isoform have been found for this gene. Whereas some reports claim that the receptor induces signaling following ligand binding, recent findings in zebrafish suggest that CXCR7 functions primarily by sequestering the chemokine CXCL12.

However, another recent study has provided evidence that ligand binding to CXCR7 activates MAP kinases through Beta-arrestins, and thus has functions beyond ligand sequestration.