title: G protein-coupled receptors: novel targets for drug discovery in cancer.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaco-Biology, University of Calabria, 87030 Rende, Cosenza, Italy.
authors.forename: Rosamaria
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Lappano
authors.forename: Marcello
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maggiolini
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D015195:Drug Design; D055808:Drug Discovery; D006801:Humans; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled