Prostacyclin receptor

Prostacyclin receptor (or prostaglandin I2 receptor) is a receptor for prostacyclin.

Transduction
When binding a prostacyclin-molecule, the receptor changes conformation and activates Gs, with its activation of cAMP and increase in protein kinase A (PKA) activity.

In vasodilation
In vasodilation, the PKA activity causes phosphorylation of MLCK, decreasing its activity, resulting in dephosphorylation of MLC of myosin. The smooth muscle relaxation leads to vasodilation.

Gene
The receptor is encoded by the human gene PTGIR.