title: Alternative Splicing of G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Relevance to Pain Management.
abstract: Drugs that target G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent the primary treatment strategy for patients with acute and chronic pain; however, there is substantial individual variability in both the efficacy and adverse effects associated with these drugs. Variability in drug responses is due, in part, to individuals' diversity in alternative splicing of pain-relevant GPCRs. G protein-coupled receptor alternative splice variants often exhibit distinct tissue distribution patterns, drug-binding properties, and signaling characteristics that may impact disease pathology as well as the extent and direction of analgesic effects. We review the importance of GPCRs and their known splice variants to the management of pain.
authors.affiliation: Center for Pain Research and Innovation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
authors.forename: Folabomi A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Oladosu
authors.affiliation: Center for Pain Research and Innovation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
authors.forename: William
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Maixner
authors.affiliation: Center for Pain Research and Innovation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Electronic address: anackley@unc.edu.
authors.forename: Andrea G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Nackley
mesh_terms: D017398:Alternative Splicing; D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D043562:Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled