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G-protein-coupled receptors as therapeutic targets for glioblastoma

Kate F Byrne1, Ajay Pal2, James F Curtin2

  • 1School of Food Science and Environmental Health, College of Sciences and Health, Technological University Dublin, Dublin D07 ADY7, Ireland; Environmental Sustainability and Health Institute (ESHI), Grangegorman, Technological University Dublin, Dublin D07 H6K8, Ireland.

Drug Discovery Today
|July 16, 2021
PubMed

Insights

New treatments targeting G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are crucial for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Research highlights chemokine, cannabinoid, and dopamine receptors as promising, with others needing further investigation for effective GBM therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive primary brain tumor with poor prognosis despite current treatments.
  • Existing therapies (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) have limited efficacy and impact quality of life.
  • There is a critical need for novel therapeutic strategies to combat GBM recurrence and improve patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) targets for glioblastoma treatment.
  • To identify promising GPCRs for drug development and targeted GBM therapies.
  • To suggest future research directions for novel therapeutic interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on recent scientific publications.
  • Analysis of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as potential therapeutic targets in glioblastoma.
  • Identification and categorization of promising and under-explored GPCRs.

Main Results:

  • Chemokine, cannabinoid, and dopamine receptors are identified as the most promising GPCR targets currently.
  • Melanocortin receptor-4 (MC4R), adhesion, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA), and smoothened (Smo) receptors represent future research avenues.
  • These targets offer potential for new drug-screening strategies and targeted GBM therapies.

Conclusions:

  • GPCRs represent a significant area for developing novel glioblastoma treatments.
  • Targeting specific GPCRs like chemokine, cannabinoid, and dopamine receptors shows immediate therapeutic potential.
  • Further exploration of MC4R, adhesion, LPA, and Smo receptors is essential for advancing safe and effective GBM therapies.
Keywords:
G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs)Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)

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