# Integrating GPCR Regulation and Calcium Dynamics in Airway Smooth Muscle Function: A Comprehensive Review

## TL;DR

This review explores how airway smooth muscle contributes to asthma by focusing on GPCR signaling and calcium dynamics.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive overview of GPCR regulation and calcium signaling in airway smooth muscle cells in asthma.

## Key findings

- GPCRs regulate airway smooth muscle contraction and inflammation in asthma.
- Calcium flux through GPCR signaling is a key mechanism in airway hyperresponsiveness.
- Targeting GPCRs offers potential for novel asthma therapies.

## Abstract

Asthma is a heterogeneous disease that varies in clinical presentation, severity, and underlying biology but consistently involves airway remodeling (AR) and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), which is characterized by excessive airway narrowing in response to various stimuli. Airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells are primary contributors to airway hyperresponsiveness and bronchoconstriction. This review focuses on ASM cells and their role in asthma. We discuss the mechanisms by which ASM mediates AHR, increases airway thickness, and contributes to AR. Signaling through G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) regulates many ASM functions, including contraction, growth, and the synthetic activities that drive airway inflammation and remodeling. GPCR-dependent calcium flux serves as a key signaling axis controlling the contractile responses of ASM. Here we provide a comprehensive summary of the major GPCRs as well as other non-GPCRs identified in ASM cells. GPCR-induced calcium mobilization, downstream signaling and how it has been linked to specific ASM functions are also discussed. Furthermore, we highlight the clinical significance of targeting GPCRs in asthma therapy as well as recent development of novel therapeutics in the management of asthma. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive overview of airway smooth muscle in the context of asthma pathophysiology.