Role of the protease-activated receptor 1 in regulating the function of glial cells within central and peripheral nervous system

Abstract

Protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is a cell surface receptor, which belongs to a family of G protein-coupled receptors and signals in response to multiple extracellular proteases. PAR1 is widely distributed in mammalian cells and tissues, including human glial cells. Within this context, PAR1 may participate to various activities promoted by glial cells. In fact, glia does not represent merely a glue in the nervous system but affects significantly various neuronal functions and activities being also significantly involved in the pathophysiology of various nervous system disorders. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of PAR1 expression and functions within glial cells both in the central and peripheral nervous system.