Leptin Receptor or CD295 belongs to the gp130 family of cytokine receptors that are known to stimulate gene transcription via activation of cytosolic STAT proteins. This protein is a receptor for leptin (an adipocyte-specific hormone that regulates body weight) and is involved in the regulation of fat metabolism, as well as in a novel hematopoietic pathway that is required for normal lymphopoiesis. Leptin Receptor/CD295 is transmembrane catalytic receptors found on NPY/AgRP and alpha-MSH/CART neurons in hypothalamic nuclei. Leptin receptors (Ob-Rs) are coded for by one human gene that produces six different isoforms, Ob-Ra-Ob-Rf. Ob-Rs exist as constitutive dimers at physiological expression levels. Only the Ob-Rb isoform can transduce intracellular signals and does so through activation of the JAK2/STAT3, PI 3-K, and MAPK signaling cascades. Activation of Ob-Rs mediates transcriptional regulation of the hypothalamic melanocortin pathway and downregulates endocannabinoid expression. Leptin acts via leptin receptors. Leptin resistance has been proposed as a pathophysiological mechanism of obesity. In obese individuals, Ob-Ra (which is involved in the active transport of leptin across the blood-brain barrier) expression is downregulated and the individual may be unresponsive to leptin signals. Ob-R antagonists are of great interest in the development of pharmacological treatments for obesity. Mutations in the Leptin Receptor/CD295 have been associated with an obesity and pituitary dysfunction.
