Heterotrimeric G Proteins as Therapeutic Targets in Drug Discovery

J Med Chem. 2020 May 28;63(10):5013-5030. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01452. Epub 2019 Dec 26.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Asthma / drug therapy
  • Asthma / metabolism
  • Bacterial Toxins / administration & dosage
  • Bacterial Toxins / metabolism
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Drug Delivery Systems / trends*
  • Drug Discovery / methods
  • Drug Discovery / trends*
  • Heart Failure / drug therapy
  • Heart Failure / metabolism
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Peptides, Cyclic / administration & dosage
  • Peptides, Cyclic / metabolism
  • Protein Structure, Secondary
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Thrombosis / drug therapy
  • Thrombosis / metabolism

Substances

  • Bacterial Toxins
  • Peptides, Cyclic
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • YM-254890
  • Heterotrimeric GTP-Binding Proteins