Pharmacoperones: a new therapeutic approach for diseases caused by misfolded G protein-coupled receptors

Recent Pat Endocr Metab Immune Drug Discov. 2011 Jan;5(1):13-24. doi: 10.2174/187221411794351851.

Abstract

G Protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell membrane proteins that recognize specific chemical signals such as drugs and hormones and transduce these signals into cellular responses by activating G-proteins. As is the case for all newly synthesized proteins, GPCRs are subjected to conformational scrutiny at the endoplasmic reticulum prior to processing and trafficking to the cell surface membrane. Because of this stringent quality control screening mechanism, mutations that result in protein misfolding frequently lead to retention in the endoplasmic reticulum, aggregation or other misrouting and, eventually, to disease. This article reviews some patents and new therapeutic opportunities based on the misfolding and retention of otherwise functional GPCRs that represent promising approaches to correct conformational abnormalities leading to distinct disease states.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Endoplasmic Reticulum / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Molecular Chaperones / pharmacology*
  • Molecular Chaperones / therapeutic use*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / trends*
  • Mutation
  • Protein Folding / drug effects*
  • Protein Transport / drug effects
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / drug effects*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Receptors, LHRH / genetics
  • Receptors, LHRH / metabolism

Substances

  • Molecular Chaperones
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Receptors, LHRH