About this Research Topic
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are seven-transmembrane proteins expressed by all cell types in the body. GPCRs bind to extracellular signaling molecules, transmit signals from the membrane's extracellular side to intracellular compartments, and regulate various physiological and pathophysiological functions. Binding of an agonist to GPCR leads to G protein activation, which triggers the stimulation of numerous secondary messengers. Additionally, intracellular proteins called beta-arrestins can also regulate GPCR function, and findings show that beta-arrestins can also signal on their own right, opening up a wide range of signaling possibilities. More than one-third of the commercially available drugs target GPCRs, thus making them a potential drug targets for the treatment of obesity and other metabolic disorders.
The easy availability of high-calorie, nutrient-poor food with a sedentary lifestyle has led to an increase in the incidence of obesity. Obesity may also increase the risk of developing other co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disorders, fatty liver diseases, neurological disorders, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, it is essential to identify potential novel drugs for mitigating the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Many pre-clinical and clinical studies have been conducted to understand the function of GPCRs in various metabolic tissues, thereby enhancing the discovery of GPCRs based drugs for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Thus, in this research topic, we propose compiling various articles discussing the significance of GPCRs signaling in different metabolic tissues and the development of GPCR ligands as therapeutic drugs for metabolic disorders.
We recommend the submission of manuscripts with the following themes (but not limited to):
GPCRs & beta-arrestins – in physiology and pathophysiology of obesity and T2D
Role of GPCRs & beta-arrestins in cardiovascular diseases
GPCRs & beta-arrestins signaling in fatty liver diseases
Role of central nervous system GPCR signaling in metabolic disorders
The easy availability of high-calorie, nutrient-poor food with a sedentary lifestyle has led to an increase in the incidence of obesity. Obesity may also increase the risk of developing other co-morbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2D), cardiovascular disorders, fatty liver diseases, neurological disorders, and certain types of cancer. Therefore, it is essential to identify potential novel drugs for mitigating the development of obesity and associated metabolic disorders. Many pre-clinical and clinical studies have been conducted to understand the function of GPCRs in various metabolic tissues, thereby enhancing the discovery of GPCRs based drugs for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
Thus, in this research topic, we propose compiling various articles discussing the significance of GPCRs signaling in different metabolic tissues and the development of GPCR ligands as therapeutic drugs for metabolic disorders.
We recommend the submission of manuscripts with the following themes (but not limited to):
GPCRs & beta-arrestins – in physiology and pathophysiology of obesity and T2D
Role of GPCRs & beta-arrestins in cardiovascular diseases
GPCRs & beta-arrestins signaling in fatty liver diseases
Role of central nervous system GPCR signaling in metabolic disorders
Keywords: GPCRs, obesity, diabetes, NAFLD and metabolism
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