Latrophilins are a group of highly conserved G-protein coupled receptors from the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor family. These receptors were originally identified based on their ability to bind to a component of black widow spidervenom known as alpha-latrotoxin.[1] This conserved family of membrane proteins has up to three homologues in chordate species, including humans.[2]
The precise functions of latrophilins remain unknown.[2] Genetic defects in latrophilin genes have been associated with diseases such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and cancer.[3]