Receptor Accessory Protein 1 (REEP1)

Transport of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to the cell surface membrane is critical for receptor-ligand recognition. However, mammalian GPCR odorant receptors (ORs), when heterologously expressed in cells, are poorly expressed on the cell surface.

The deduced mouse Reep1 protein contains 201 amino acids. Reep1 has 2 transmembrane domains, the first of which may function as a signal peptide. Northern blot analysis of mouse tissues detected expression of Reep1 in olfactory and vomeronasal organs and in brain. In situ hybridization of mouse olfactory epithelium revealed specific expression of Reep1 in olfactory neurons. In situ hybridization of mouse brain detected Reep1 expression in a subset of brain cells.