Onco-GPCR signaling and dysregulated expression of microRNAs in human cancer

J Hum Genet. 2017 Jan;62(1):87-96. doi: 10.1038/jhg.2016.124. Epub 2016 Oct 13.

Abstract

The G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family is the largest family of cell-surface receptors involved in signal transduction. Aberrant expression of GPCRs and G proteins are frequently associated with prevalent human diseases, including cancer. In fact, GPCRs represent the therapeutic targets of more than a quarter of the clinical drugs currently on the market. MiRNAs (miRNAs) are also aberrantly expressed in many human cancers, and they have significant roles in the initiation, development and metastasis of human malignancies. Recent studies have revealed that dysregulation of miRNAs and their target genes expression are associated with cancer progression. The emerging information suggests that miRNAs play an important role in the fine tuning of many signaling pathways, including GPCR signaling. We summarize our current knowledge of the individual functions of miRNAs regulated by GPCRs and GPCR signaling-associated molecules, and miRNAs that regulate the expression and activity of GPCRs, their endogenous ligands and their coupled heterotrimeric G proteins in human cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Progression
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics*
  • Signal Transduction / genetics*

Substances

  • MicroRNAs
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins