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Measuring G-protein-coupled Receptor Signaling via Radio-labeled GTP Binding
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Measuring G-protein-coupled Receptor Signaling via Radio-labeled GTP Binding

Published on: June 9, 2017

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Novel insights into G protein and G protein-coupled receptor signaling in cancer

Morgan O'Hayre1, Maria S Degese1, J Silvio Gutkind1

  • 1Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer Branch, Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

Current Opinion in Cell Biology
|February 11, 2014
PubMed

Insights

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are crucial in cell signaling and cancer development. Targeting GPCRs offers potential for novel cancer therapies by influencing tumor growth, spread, and the tumor microenvironment.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Cellular signaling
  • Oncology

Background:

  • G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are integral membrane proteins that mediate cellular responses to external stimuli.
  • GPCRs are implicated in various physiological processes, including cell growth, survival, migration, and angiogenesis.
  • Dysregulation of GPCR signaling pathways is increasingly recognized in cancer development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the multifaceted roles of GPCRs in cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis.
  • To highlight the involvement of GPCRs in key cancer-related signaling pathways.
  • To explore the potential of targeting GPCRs for cancer therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and evidence on GPCRs in cancer.
  • Analysis of GPCR involvement in signaling pathways such as AKT/mTOR, MAPKs, and Hippo.
  • Examination of GPCR roles in cancer cell invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and the tumor microenvironment.

Main Results:

  • GPCRs influence cancer cell proliferation and survival through pathways like AKT/mTOR, MAPKs, and Hippo.
  • GPCRs promote cancer cell invasion and metastasis via Rho GTPase activation and cytoskeletal remodeling.
  • GPCRs contribute to tumor angiogenesis and the establishment of a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • GPCRs are critical regulators of multiple hallmarks of cancer.
  • Understanding GPCR signaling in malignancy provides a basis for developing novel cancer treatments.
  • Targeting GPCRs represents a promising avenue for cancer prevention and therapy.

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