Gpr85, a novel member of the G-protein coupled receptor family, prominently expressed in the developing mouse cerebral cortex.

The G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) characterized by seven transmembrane domains represent the largest receptor superfamily to date and are implied in diverse cell signaling events, its members being present in a diversity of organs and tissues. Here we report the expression of Gpr85, a novel member of this gene family during mouse embryonal development and in the adult brain. Transcripts of Gpr85 were detected predominantly in tissues of neuroectodermal origin. In the central nervous system Gpr85 was expressed during phases of early neuronal differentiation. Highest transcript levels were observed in the developing cerebral cortex, pointing to a specific function of this gene for differentiation processes in the cerebral cortex. In addition, expression was also detected in derivatives of the neural crest and developing teeth.