PhD defence
Mutation-Driven Modulation of GPCR Pharmacology: Insights from Adenosine and Serotonin Receptors
- C. Feng
- Date
- Tuesday 27 January 2026
- Time
- Location
-
Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden
Supervisor(s)
Summary
Cells in our body constantly receive and respond to signals from their environment. One of the most important signal-receiving systems is a group of proteins called G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). These receptors help control many normal processes, such as cell growth, immune responses, and communication between cells. Because of their central role, GPCRs are already the targets of many widely used medicines. Surprisingly, however, very few cancer drugs currently act on GPCRs.
Recent large-scale cancer studies have shown that many GPCR genes are altered by mutations in tumors. This suggests that GPCRs may play a bigger role in cancer than previously thought. In this thesis, we explored how cancer-related mutations affect the behavior of two specific GPCRs: the adenosine A2A receptor and the serotonin 5-HT2C receptor. Both receptors are involved in signaling pathways that can influence cancer growth and treatment responses.
Using laboratory experiments, we studied how these mutations change the way receptors bind to drugs, how strongly they send signals inside cells, and how cancer cells respond to receptor-targeting compounds. We found that some mutations weaken the effects of existing drugs, while others change receptor activity in ways that could promote or limit cancer growth. We also showed that the effects of targeting GPCRs can vary greatly depending on the type of cancer cell.
Overall, this research highlights GPCRs as promising but complex targets for cancer therapy. Understanding how cancer-associated mutations alter GPCR function may help improve existing treatments and guide the development of more effective, personalized anti-cancer drugs in the future.
PhD dissertations
Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.
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