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Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Characterization of Cell Membrane Extensions and Studying Their Roles in Cancer Cell Adhesion Dynamics
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The Role of LGR4 (GPR48) in Normal and Cancer Processes

Alejandro Ordaz-Ramos1,2, Victor Hugo Rosales-Gallegos1,2, Jorge Melendez-Zajgla3

  • 1Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 5, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Leucine-rich repeats containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) is vital for tissue development and cancer progression. This receptor regulates cell growth and stem cell properties, impacting both normal functions and malignant processes.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Leucine-rich repeats containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) is a key receptor in the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily.
  • LGR4 is activated by ligands such as R-spondins (RSPOs), Norrin, circLGR4, and RANKL.
  • It plays critical roles in tissue development, maintenance, and cellular signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse functions of LGR4 and its ligands in physiological and pathological contexts.
  • To elucidate LGR4's role in regulating normal tissue homeostasis.
  • To examine LGR4's involvement in cancer progression, including tumor invasion and metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on LGR4 and its ligands.
  • Analysis of LGR4's involvement in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
  • Investigation of LGR4's role in cancer stem cell regulation.

Main Results:

  • LGR4 regulates fundamental cellular processes like proliferation, survival, and differentiation.
  • LGR4 is implicated in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis in various cancers.
  • LGR4 is essential for maintaining cancer stem cell populations by controlling self-renewal and stemness.

Conclusions:

  • LGR4 is a multifunctional receptor with significant roles in both normal tissue function and cancer.
  • Understanding LGR4 signaling is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
  • LGR4's regulation of stem cell properties highlights its importance in cancer biology.
Keywords:
CSCsGPR48LGR4cancer

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