The Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, including vasodilation and the transmission of nociceptive (pain) information. It is particularly significant in the context of migraine pathophysiology, where elevated levels of CGRP are observed during acute migraine attacks .
The CGRP receptor is a complex structure composed of multiple components:
These components work together to form a functional receptor that can bind to CGRP and mediate its effects.
CGRP and its receptor components are widely expressed throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. In particular, they are found in regions involved in the transmission of pain and the regulation of blood flow. For example, in the spinal trigeminal nucleus (STN) and the C1-level of the spinal cord, CGRP and its receptor components are expressed in specific patterns that suggest their involvement in primary headaches, such as migraines .
CGRP is a key player in the pathophysiology of migraines. During a migraine attack, CGRP is released from the trigeminal vascular system, leading to vasodilation and the activation of pain pathways. This makes the CGRP receptor a promising target for the development of novel anti-migraine therapies .
The human recombinant CGRP receptor component is a biotechnologically engineered version of the naturally occurring receptor. It is used in research and therapeutic applications to study the receptor’s function and to develop drugs that can modulate its activity. The recombinant receptor component allows for precise control and manipulation in experimental settings, providing valuable insights into the role of CGRP in various physiological and pathological processes .