The CXCR7 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 7) proinflammatory protein is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family. It is a transmembrane protein first identified as the EBV-induced gene-1, and while it was originally classified as an orphan receptor, it is now known to be a novel and alternate receptor for the chemokines CXCL11 and CXCL12. While the actual function of the CXCR7 protein is not entirely understood, it appears to be elevated in human cancers and important for tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. In particular, the CXCR7 ligands have abundant expression in human astrocytoma and glioblastomal neural tissues. Singh’s oncology group used a CXCR7 antibody in their immunoprecipitations to identify a novel pathway of ligand-independent signaling in prostate cancer that involves paired regulation with IL-81. Choy et al also used a CXCR7 antibody in their T-cell humanized mouse model, developed around arteric allograft rejection2. There, they found that CXCL12 induces nitric oxide (iNOS) in a CXCR4, but not CXCR7, dependent fashion.German researchers tested a CXCR7 antibody in both astrocytes and Schwann cells to confirm that CXCR7 is necessary in both cells types for CXCL12-dependent mitogenesis3. Further neural tissue studies in Hattermann’s lab with a CXCR7 antibody determined that CXCR7 mediates resistance to drug-induced apoptosis by agents such as camptothecin and temozolomide4. Using a primary antibody to CXCR7, or any of the receptors in the CXCR7 family, has proven successful in understanding the dynamic qualities of this protein.
Novus Biologicals offers CXCR7 reagents for your research needs including:
