GPR37

GPR37, originally described as an endothelin B receptor-like protein and also known as PAELR (parkin-associated endothelin-like receptor), is an orphan Class A GPCR expressed predominantly in the brain. It gained attention because misfolded GPR37 accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum and is a substrate of the E3 ubiquitin ligase parkin, linking the receptor to autosomal recessive juvenile Parkinsonism and dopaminergic neuron vulnerability. Later work identified peptides derived from prosaposin as functional ligands that activate GPR37 and GPR37L1, engaging Gi/o and other pathways. Genetic studies have also associated GPR37 variants with autism spectrum disorder, and the receptor has been pursued as a drug target in neurodegeneration.