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Genetically-encoded Molecular Probes to Study G Protein-coupled Receptors
16:16

Genetically-encoded Molecular Probes to Study G Protein-coupled Receptors

Published on: September 13, 2013

Harnessing the genome for characterization of G-protein coupled receptors in cancer pathogenesis

Michael E Feigin1

  • 1Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, NY, USA.

The FEBS Journal
|August 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are increasingly recognized as crucial in cancer. This review highlights GPCRs as promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment and personalized medicine.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are vital in physiological processes and drug development.
  • GPCRs can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors by influencing cancer signaling networks.
  • Despite their known roles, GPCR-targeted drugs are underutilized in cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence supporting GPCRs as viable targets for cancer therapy.
  • To explore the role of GPCRs in cancer signaling, progression, and the tumor microenvironment.
  • To discuss the potential of GPCRs as therapeutic targets in personalized cancer medicine.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies and large-scale genome-wide analyses of human tumors.
  • Analysis of GPCR alterations in cancer.
  • Evaluation of GPCRs' impact on cancer signaling pathways, tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and the microenvironment.

Main Results:

  • Recent genomic analyses have identified novel GPCRs altered in various human cancers.
  • Evidence suggests GPCRs significantly influence cancer signaling pathways, tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis.
  • GPCRs play a role in modulating the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • GPCRs are relevant and promising therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
  • Genomic analysis is identifying specific GPCRs as targets for personalized cancer medicine.
  • Further research into GPCRs can lead to novel cancer therapies.
Keywords:
GPCRbioinformaticscancergenomicsmetastasismicroenvironmentsignal transduction

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