Biomol Ther.  2013 Nov;21(6):411-422.

Intercellular Lipid Mediators and GPCR Drug Discovery

• Im DS

Abstract

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) are the largest superfamily of receptors responsible for signaling between cells and tissues, and because they play important physiological roles in homeostasis, they are major drug targets. New technologies have been developed for the identification of new ligands, new GPCR functions, and for drug discovery purposes. In particular, intercellular lipid mediators, such as, lysophosphatidic acid and sphingosine 1-phosphate have attracted much attention for drug discovery and this has resulted in the development of fingolimod (FTY-720) and AM095. The discovery of new intercellular lipid mediators and their GPCRs are discussed from the perspective of drug development. Lipid GPCRs for lysophospholipids, including lysophosphatidylserine, lysophosphatidylinositol, lysophosphatidylcholine, free fatty acids, fatty acid derivatives, and other lipid mediators are reviewed.

Keyword

Lipid mediator; GPCR; Lipid; Lysophospholipid; Fatty acid; Drug discovery

MeSH Terms

Drug Discovery*
Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
Homeostasis
Ligands
Lysophosphatidylcholines
Lysophospholipids
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
Sphingosine
Fingolimod Hydrochloride
Fatty Acids, Nonesterified
Ligands
Lysophosphatidylcholines
Lysophospholipids
Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
Sphingosine