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G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling in Stem Cells and Cancer

Jennifer R Lynch1, Jenny Yingzi Wang2,3

  • 1Cancer and Stem Cell Biology Group, Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. JLynch@ccia.org.au.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 18, 2016
PubMed

Insights

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and G proteins are crucial for cancer stem cells. Targeting GPR84 and Gαq offers new avenues for acute myeloid leukemia therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular signaling pathways
  • Molecular biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key cell-surface proteins involved in signal transduction.
  • Aberrant expression of GPCRs and G proteins is linked to various cancers, particularly cancer stem cells.
  • GPCRs represent highly druggable targets for therapeutic intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the regulatory roles of GPCRs and G proteins in stem cell maintenance.
  • To focus on the implications of GPCRs and G proteins in cancer stem cells.
  • To explore novel targeted cancer therapy development based on these pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of GPCR and G protein functions in stem cells.
  • Analysis of recent findings on GPR84 and Gαq in acute myeloid leukemia stem cells.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting GPCR-G protein signaling.

Main Results:

  • GPCRs and G proteins play essential roles in maintaining cancer stem cell populations.
  • G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) and G protein subunit Gαq are critical for acute myeloid leukemia stem cell maintenance.
  • Targeting these specific GPCRs and G proteins presents a promising therapeutic strategy.

Conclusions:

  • GPCRs and G proteins are vital regulators of stem cell biology, especially in cancer.
  • Targeting GPR84 and Gαq signaling pathways holds significant potential for developing novel cancer therapies.
  • Further research into GPCR-G protein interactions can lead to more effective cancer treatments.
Keywords:
G proteinsGPCRcancer stem cellssignalingstem cellstherapy

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