Molecular mechanisms of target recognition by lipid GPCRs: relevance for cancer

Oncogene. 2016 Aug 4;35(31):4021-35. doi: 10.1038/onc.2015.467. Epub 2015 Dec 7.

Abstract

Over the past decade the importance of lipids for cancer cell metabolism and cancer-related processes such as proliferation, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance has become more apparent. The mechanisms by which lipid signals are transduced are poorly understood, but frequently involve G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), which can be explored as druggable targets. Here, we discuss how GPCRs recognize four classes of cancer-relevant lipids (lysophospholipids, phospholipids, fatty acids and eicosanoids). We compare the ligand-binding properties of >50 lipid receptors, we examine how their dysregulation contributes to tumorigenesis and how they may be therapeutically exploited.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eicosanoids / metabolism
  • Endocannabinoids / physiology
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lipids / physiology*
  • Lysophospholipids / chemistry
  • Lysophospholipids / physiology
  • Neoplasms / etiology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / physiology*
  • Receptors, Leukotriene / physiology
  • Receptors, Lysophospholipid / physiology
  • Receptors, Thromboxane / physiology
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Eicosanoids
  • Endocannabinoids
  • Fatty Acids
  • Lipids
  • Lysophospholipids
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, Leukotriene
  • Receptors, Lysophospholipid
  • Receptors, Thromboxane