Activating CMKLR1 by an
agonist mobilizes intracellular
calcium and causes the activation of several other signaling cascades like the
ERK1 and
NF-κB. Initial studies of CMKLR1 suggested that it might have a role in the inflammatory pathways. Its cognate ligand, chemerin was found in joint aspirate from rheumatoid arthritis and absent in aspirate from degenerative arthritis. CMKLR1 expression by plasmacytoid dendritic cells and macrophages also helped foster this idea. In vitro
chemotaxis assays showed it to be utilized in attracting these cells. As an
adipokine receptor it has a role in
adipogenesis and adipocyte maturation. It seems also to have a role in peripheral
insulin resistance. Also studies using the mouse
zymosan model and
chemerin peptides showed that these peptides suppressed and helped resolve the
peritonitis in mice. The same model showed that this particular molecule enhances macrophage
efferocytosis (phagocyting
apoptotic cells). == Ligands ==