GPCRs: signal transduction and pathophysiological implications

Our laboratory is investigating key nodes in signalling networks involved in prevalent age-related pathologies such as metabolic/cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The GRK2 kinase is one of those key signalling hubs. In addition to its canonical role as a regulator of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR), GRK2 can also impact cell signalling networks by directly interacting and/or phosphorylating non-GPCR components of transduction cascades (such as HDAC6, IRS1, PI3K, EPAC, Mdm2, Smads or p38 Mapk). Such integrated interactions underlie the participation of GRK2 in the control of cell migration, angiogenesis, cardiovascular diseases, obesity or insulin resistance.