The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor family. This protein is one of four receptors identified for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This receptor can activate T-cell factor signaling. It has been shown to mediate PGE2 induced expression of early growth response 1 (EGR1), regulate the level and stability of cyclooxygenase-2 mRNA, and lead to the phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3. Knockout studies in mice suggest that this receptor may be involved in the neonatal adaptation of circulatory system, osteoporosis, as well as initiation of skin immune responses. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]
Forensic Context
A study in rats demonstrated that the PTGER4 is an orthologous gene associated with inflammatory processes in a model of radiation-induced lung injury [Shi et al. DOI:10.17305/bb.2024.10357]. In human skin wound healing, the PTGER4 was identified as a marker for innate lymphoid cells (ILC) [Liu et al. DOI:10.1016/j.stem.2024.11.013]. A study in rats demonstrated that the PTGER4 was upregulated in CD11b/c+ microglia/macrophages from the striatum and prefrontal cortex at 2 hours following a binge methamphetamine regimen, suggesting its involvement in a prostaglandin E2-mediated autocrine feed-forward cycle that promotes inflammatory signaling [Kays et al. DOI:10.3390/brainsci9120340].