<p>G-protein-coupled receptors, GPCRs, constitute a vast protein family that encompasses a wide range of functions (including various autocrine, paracrine and endocrine processes). They show considerable diversity at the sequence level, on the basis of which they can be separated into distinct groups. We use the term clan to describe the GPCRs, as they embrace a group of families for which there are indications of evolutionary relationship, but between which there is no statistically significant similarity in sequence [<cite idref="PUB00004961"/>]. The currently known clan members include the rhodopsin-like GPCRs, the secretin-like GPCRs, the cAMP receptors, the fungal mating pheromone receptors, and the metabotropic glutamate receptor family. There is a specialised database for GPCRs (http://www.gpcr.org/7tm/). </p><p>The secretin-like GPCRs include secretin [<cite idref="PUB00001208"/>], calcitonin [<cite idref="PUB00005147"/>], parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptides [<cite idref="PUB00005148"/>] and vasoactive intestinal peptide [<cite idref="PUB00004310"/>], all of which activate adenylyl cyclase and the phosphatidyl-inositol-calcium pathway. These receptors contain seven transmembrane regions, in a manner reminiscent of the rhodopsins and other receptors believed to interact with G-proteins (however there is no significant sequence identity between these families, the secretin-like receptors thus bear their own unique '7TM' signature). Their N terminus is probably located on the extracellular side of the membrane and potentially glycosylated. This N-terminal region contains a long conserved region which allow the binding of large peptidic ligand such as glucagon, secretin, VIP and PACAP; this region contains five conserved cysteines residues which could be involved in disulphide bond. The C-terminal region of these receptor is probably cytoplasmic. Every receptor gene in this family is encoded on multiple exons, and several of these genes are alternatively spliced to yield functionally distinct products. </p><p>CD97 is a member of the EGF-TM7 family of class II G-protein coupled receptors that can bind to CD55(DAF). CD97 has highly related 7TM sequences but diverse, large extracellular regions. The extracellular regions are generally unrelated in sequence but usually contain cell adhesion motifs. For receptors with N-terminal EGF domains the designation EGF-TM7 family has been introduced. Typically, isoforms with variable number of EGF domains exist.So far, the EGF-TM7 family consists of CD97 and EMR1, the human homologue of F4/80. Family members are preferentially expressed by cells of the immunesystem [<cite idref="PUB00006488"/>]. High surface expression of CD97 has been found at sites of inflammation in skin and lung and in rheumatoid arthritis. At the same sites, elevated levels of soluble CD97 are detectable. Analysis of epithelial tumors revealed CD97 expression on the malignant cells in thyroid cancer and adenocarcinomas of the gastro-intestinal tract [<cite idref="PUB00006488"/>].</p><p>CD molecules are leucocyte antigens on cell surfaces. CD antigens nomenclature is updated at Protein Reviews On The Web (http://prow.nci.nih.gov/).</p> GPCR, family 2, CD97 antigen