This gene belongs to the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily. The encoded transmembrane protein mediates the function of neuropeptide Y (NPY), a neurotransmitter, and peptide YY (PYY), a gastrointestinal hormone. The encoded receptor undergoes fast agonist-induced internalization through clathrin-coated pits and is subsequently recycled back to the cell membrane. Activation of Y1 receptors may result in mobilization of intracellular calcium and inhibition of adenylate cyclase activity. [provided by RefSeq, Aug 2013]
Forensic Context
A study in rats demonstrated that the NPY1R mRNA was up-regulated in the frontal cortex of ethanol-naive, alcohol-preferring AA rats compared to alcohol-avoiding ANA rats in DNA macroarray analysis, though this finding was not confirmed by subsequent RT-PCR validation [Worst et al. DOI:10.1002/Jnr.20496]. A study in mice selectively bred for high or low methamphetamine intake identified the NPY1R as a prefrontal cortex differential wiring gene associated with cell communication, indicating its involvement in the transcriptomic networks underlying innate risk for addiction [Hitzemann et al. DOI:10.3390/brainsci9070155].