Heterotrimeric G Proteins as Therapeutic Targets in Drug Discovery

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Heterotrimeric G proteins are molecular switches in GPCR signaling pathways and regulate a plethora of physiological and pathological processes. GPCRs are efficient drug targets, and more than 30% of the drugs in use target them. However, selectively targeting an individual GPCR may be undesirable in various multifactorial diseases in which multiple receptors are involved. In addition, abnormal activation or expression of G proteins is frequently associated with diseases. Furthermore, G proteins harboring mutations often result in malignant diseases. Thus, targeting G proteins instead of GPCRs might provide alternative approaches for combating these diseases. In this review, we discuss the biochemistry of heterotrimeric G proteins, describe the G protein-associated diseases, and summarize the currently known modulators that can regulate the activities of G proteins. The outlook for targeting G proteins to treat diverse diseases is also included in this manuscript.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Medicinal Chemistry
Volume63
Issue number10
Pages (from-to)5013-5030
Number of pages18
ISSN0022-2623
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020

    Research areas

  • PASTEURELLA-MULTOCIDA TOXIN, BETA-GAMMA-SUBUNITS, PROTEASE-ACTIVATED RECEPTOR-1, HUMAN THYROTROPIN RECEPTOR, LONG-LASTING HYPERALGESIA, BRONCHIAL SMOOTH-MUSCLE, PHOSPHOLIPASE-C-BETA, G-ALPHA-Q, HEART-FAILURE, COUPLED RECEPTORS

ID: 252407517