Bombesin Receptor Antibodies

Mammalian bombesin receptors (BB) comprise 3 subtypes: BB1, BB2, BB3. BB1 and BB2 are activated by the endogenous ligands neuromedin B (NMB), gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP), and GRP-(18-27). Bombesin is a tetra-decapeptide, originally derived from amphibians. The three BB receptor subtypes couple primarily to the Gq/11 and G12/13 family of G proteins. Activation of BB1 and BB2 receptors causes a wide range of physiological actions including the stimulation of cell growth, smooth-muscle contraction, feeding behavior, regulation of circadian rhythm, body temperature control and mediation of pruritus. A physiological role for the BB3 receptor has yet to be fully defined although recently studies suggest an important role metabolic homeostasis and obesity. BB receptors are one of the most frequently overexpressed GPCRs in cancer.