Publications by authors named "J L Benovic"

Article Synopsis
  • G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) convert external signals into cellular responses, with calcium (Ca) acting as a significant second messenger activated through various pathways, especially involving phospholipase C-β (PLCβ).
  • This study focused on understanding how different GPCRs like the β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) and prostaglandin E receptors (EPR and EPR) mobilize Ca in HEK293 cells, revealing distinct mechanisms for each receptor.
  • Results showed that βAR relies heavily on G proteins for Ca mobilization, while EPR and EPR use a combination of G proteins, with varying sensitivity to toxins that affect G protein functionality, indicating complex signaling pathways in these
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Type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus has emerged as a major global health concern that has accelerated in recent years due to poor diet and lifestyle. Afflicted individuals have high blood glucose levels that stem from the inability of the pancreas to make enough insulin to meet demand. Although medication can help to maintain normal blood glucose levels in individuals with chronic disease, many of these medicines are outdated, have severe side effects, and often become less efficacious over time, necessitating the need for insulin therapy.

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Article Synopsis
  • Uveal melanoma often has mutations in GNAQ or GNA11, activating the MAPK signaling pathway, but there are no effective targeted treatments for this form of cancer.
  • Researchers used a Gαq/11 inhibitor on GNAQ-mutant uveal melanoma cell lines and identified 22 kinases with altered expression or activity, potentially revealing new therapeutic targets.
  • They found that knocking down specific kinases, MARK3 and STK10, reduced cancer cell growth and affected certain cellular processes, suggesting a significant role of these kinases in the Gαq/11 signaling pathway and their potential as targets for treatment.
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Article Synopsis
  • Catecholamine-stimulated β-adrenergic receptor (βAR) signaling controls various physiological functions and impacts airway disease treatments, primarily through a well-known pathway involving G-adenylyl cyclase, cAMP, and PKA.
  • Regulation of βAR signaling is influenced by GRKs and β-arrestins, which can lead to desensitization and alternative signaling that counteracts the primary pathway, presenting a challenge for maximizing βAR therapy effectiveness.
  • A small molecule screen identified DFPQ, which selectively inhibits β-arrestin recruitment to βAR without disrupting its coupling to G proteins, offering a potential therapeutic advantage by preventing receptor desensitization and maintaining the efficacy of β
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