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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

A Kinetic Fluorescence-based Ca2+ Mobilization Assay to Identify G Protein-coupled Receptor Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators
Published on: February 20, 2018
G Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling: Implications and Therapeutic Development Advances in Cancers
Inamu Rashid Khan1, Sana Khurshid2, Saud Almawash3
1Department of Zoology Central University of Kashmir Ganderbal Kashmir India.
Abstract:
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse class of membrane proteins, mediating cellular responses to a wide range of extracellular stimuli. GPCRs initiate complex intracellular signaling networks that regulate vital physiological functions and are associated with numerous diseases, including various types of cancer. Their conserved seven-transmembrane (7TM) structure enables these signaling networks by allowing interactions with multiple ligands and intracellular effectors. In several types of tumors, abnormal GPCR signaling promotes carcinogenesis by supporting immune evasion, cell proliferation, and therapeutic resistance. A significant research gap exists in fully understanding the molecular mechanisms behind pathway-specific activation and biased ligand discovery of GPCRs, which could lead to the development of more effective therapies. This review examines the complexity of GPCRs, with a focus on their role in signaling through the differential activation of pathways regulated by β-arrestin and G proteins. It discusses how targeted modulation of signaling outcomes by receptor mutants might offer therapeutic benefits in cancer treatment. The review also highlights emerging technologies, such as aptamers, PROTACs, and nanobodies, that more precisely target GPCRs. In addition to exploring receptor structure-function relationships and pathway selectivity, this review provides valuable insights into GPCR-biased signaling and its implications in cancer biology.
Insights
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key membrane proteins involved in cancer. Understanding their complex signaling pathways, particularly biased signaling, is crucial for developing targeted cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a large class of membrane proteins mediating cellular responses.
- GPCRs regulate vital physiological functions and are implicated in various diseases, including cancer.
- Abnormal GPCR signaling in tumors promotes carcinogenesis by influencing immune evasion, proliferation, and therapeutic resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complexity of GPCRs and their role in cancer signaling.
- To focus on differential pathway activation by G proteins and β-arrestin.
- To explore targeted modulation of GPCR signaling for cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of GPCR structure-function relationships.
- Analysis of GPCR-biased signaling mechanisms.
- Examination of emerging technologies for GPCR targeting.
Main Results:
- GPCRs' seven-transmembrane structure facilitates diverse signaling networks.
- Pathway-specific GPCR activation and biased ligand discovery are critical research areas.
- Targeted modulation of GPCR signaling pathways shows therapeutic potential in cancer.
Conclusions:
- Understanding GPCR-biased signaling offers insights into cancer biology.
- Emerging technologies like aptamers, PROTACs, and nanobodies enable precise GPCR targeting.
- Modulating GPCR signaling pathways may lead to more effective cancer therapies.
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