Quantitative Analysis of Orphan G Protein-Coupled Receptor mRNAs by TaqMan Real-Time PCR: G2A and GPR4 Lysophospholipid Receptor Expression in Leukocy

Historically, the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) protein family has proven to be an extremely tractable target class (1 ). It is estimated that approximately one-half of all drugs currently marketed exert their actions, either directly or indirectly, via GPCRs (2 ). Given the potential commercial opportunities emanating from the identification of small molecule modulators of “novel” GPCRs (currently, GPCRs generate in excess of $25 billion per year in worldwide sales revenue [3 ]), it is not surprising that it is with great enthusiasm that both the pharmaceutical industry and academia move toward identifying novel members of this protein class.