GUTKIND LAB

Specifically, we have shown that human and virally-encoded G proteins and G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) can display potent oncogenic activity, and that many human malignancies harbor mutations in this receptor family and their linked G proteins. We have studied the tumorigenic activity of G proteins and GPCRs to dissect the signaling circuities regulating normal and aberrant cell proliferation, cancer progression, immune evasion, tumor-induced angiogenesis, and metastasis. We are now investigating 1) the mechanisms by which genetic mutations in Gαq proteins (encoded by the GNAQ oncogene) initiate uveal and cutaneous melanoma, with emphasis on the regulation of the Hippo pathway; 2) the role of Gαs (encoded by the GNAS oncogene) and its target, PKA, in cancer; and 3) how mutations, overexpression, and oncocrine activation of GPCRs contribute to tumor progression, escape from immune surveillance, and therapy resistance to targeted agents and immunotherapies... In parallel, 4) we..

Primary location: La Jolla United States