G protein-coupled receptors: novel targets for drug discovery in cancer

R Lappano, M Maggiolini - Nature reviews Drug discovery, 2011 - nature.com
Nature reviews Drug discovery, 2011nature.com
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to a superfamily of cell surface signalling
proteins that have a pivotal role in many physiological functions and in multiple diseases,
including the development of cancer and cancer metastasis. Current drugs that target
GPCRs—many of which have excellent therapeutic benefits—are directed towards only a
few GPCR members. Therefore, huge efforts are currently underway to develop new GPCR-
based drugs, particularly for cancer. We review recent findings that present unexpected …
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to a superfamily of cell surface signalling proteins that have a pivotal role in many physiological functions and in multiple diseases, including the development of cancer and cancer metastasis. Current drugs that target GPCRs — many of which have excellent therapeutic benefits — are directed towards only a few GPCR members. Therefore, huge efforts are currently underway to develop new GPCR-based drugs, particularly for cancer. We review recent findings that present unexpected opportunities to interfere with major tumorigenic signals by manipulating GPCR-mediated pathways. We also discuss current data regarding novel GPCR targets that may provide promising opportunities for drug discovery in cancer prevention and treatment.
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