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The role of G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathways and mutations in cancer development and immune response
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  • Chenlin Feng,
  • Jasper Ooms,
  • Erik Danen,
  • Laura Heitman
Chenlin Feng
LACDR, University of Leiden
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Jasper Ooms
LACDR, University of Leiden
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Erik Danen
LACDR, University of Leiden
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Laura Heitman
LACDR, University of Leiden

Corresponding Author:l.h.heitman@lacdr.leidenuniv.nl

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Abstract

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) play a crucial role in cellular signaling, regulating various physiological processes. Abnormal expression and mutations of GPCRs have been implicated in several types of cancer, influencing tumor initiation, progression, and immune response. In this review, we present an overview of recent research on GPCR involvement in cancer, and discuss the evidence supporting whether mutations in GPCRs act as cancer driver or passenger. Accumulation of GPCR mutations in some highly conserved structural motifs and the mutually exclusiveness observed between Gi-coupled GPCRs and GNAS-activating mutations indicate their potential driving role in cancer. However, the functional redundancy of GPCR signaling networks, together with the widespread but low frequency distribution of GPCR mutations indicate that they may rather act as passengers. The future of GPCR drug discovery hinges on overcoming challenges related to data availability and the integration of GPCR research with broader cancer studies using multi-omics approaches.
04 Feb 2025Submitted to British Journal of Pharmacology
07 Feb 2025Submission Checks Completed
07 Feb 2025Assigned to Editor
22 Feb 2025Reviewer(s) Assigned