Background:
This gene encodes a G-protein coupled receptor for gastrin and cholecystokinin (CCK), regulatory peptides of the brain and gastrointestinal tract. This protein is a type B gastrin receptor, which has a high affinity for both sulfated and nonsulfated CCK analogs and is found principally in the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Alternative splicing results in multiple transcript variants. A misspliced transcript variant including an intron has been observed in cells from colorectal and pancreatic tumors.