Two neuroendocrine G protein-coupled receptor molecules, somatostatin and melatonin: Physiology of signal transduction and therapeutic perspectives

Eva Costanzi, Carolina Simioni, Ilaria Conti, Ilaria Laface, Gabriele Varano, Cinzia Brenna, Luca M. Neri

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

7 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent studies have shown that G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest signal-conveying receptor family, are targets for mutations occurring frequently in different cancer types. GPCR alterations associated with cancer development represent significant challenges for the discovery and the advancement of targeted therapeutics. Among the different molecules that can activate GPCRs, we focused on two molecules that exert their biological actions regulating many typical features of tumorigenesis such as cellular proliferation, survival, and invasion: somatostatin and melatonin. The modulation of signaling pathways, that involves these two molecules, opens an interesting scenario for cancer therapy, with the opportunity to act at different molecular levels. Therefore, the aim of this review is the analysis of the biological activity and the therapeutic potential of somatostatin and melatonin, displaying a high affinity for GPCRs, that interfere with cancer development and maintenance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)2505-2518
Number of pages14
JournalJournal of Cellular Physiology
Volume236
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2021
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • GPCRs
  • melatonin
  • somatostatin
  • targeted therapies
  • tumors

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