G Protein-coupled Receptors: Novel Targets for Drug Discovery in Cancer

Overview

Journal Nat Rev Drug Discov

Specialty Pharmacology

Date 2011 Jan 4

PMID 21193867

Citations 340

Authors

Rosamaria Lappano

Marcello Maggiolini

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

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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