1
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Kalaba P, Sanchez de la Rosa C, Möller A, Alewood PF, Muttenthaler M. Targeting the Oxytocin Receptor for Breast Cancer Management: A Niche for Peptide Tracers. J Med Chem 2024; 67:1625-1640. [PMID: 38235665 PMCID: PMC10859963 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a leading cause of death in women, and its management highly depends on early disease diagnosis and monitoring. This remains challenging due to breast cancer's heterogeneity and a scarcity of specific biomarkers that could predict responses to therapy and enable personalized treatment. This Perspective describes the diagnostic landscape for breast cancer management, molecular strategies targeting receptors overexpressed in tumors, the theranostic potential of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) as an emerging breast cancer target, and the development of OTR-specific optical and nuclear tracers to study, visualize, and treat tumors. A special focus is on the chemistry and pharmacology underpinning OTR tracer development, preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies, challenges, and future directions. The use of peptide-based tracers targeting upregulated receptors in cancer is a highly promising strategy complementing current diagnostics and therapies and providing new opportunities to improve cancer management and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Predrag Kalaba
- Institute
of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Andreas Möller
- QIMR
Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland 4006, Australia
- The
Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR 999077, China
| | - Paul F. Alewood
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute
of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
- Institute
for Molecular Bioscience, The University
of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
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2
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Bous J, Fouillen A, Orcel H, Granier S, Bron P, Mouillac B. Structures of the arginine-vasopressin and oxytocin receptor signaling complexes. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:67-107. [PMID: 37718002 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Arginine-vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) are neurohypophysial hormones which share a high sequence and structure homology. These are two cyclic C-terminally amidated nonapeptides with different residues at position 3 and 8. In mammals, AVP and OT exert their multiple biological functions through a specific G protein-coupled receptor family: four receptors are identified, the V1a, V1b, V2 receptors (V1aR, V1bR and V2R) and the OT receptor (OTR). The chemical structure of AVP and OT was elucidated in the early 1950s. Thanks to X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, it took however 70 additional years to determine the three-dimensional structures of the OTR and the V2R in complex with their natural agonist ligands and with different signaling partners, G proteins and β-arrestins. Today, the comparison of the different AVP/OT receptor structures gives structural insights into their orthosteric ligand binding pocket, their molecular mechanisms of activation, and their interfaces with canonical Gs, Gq and β-arrestin proteins. It also paves the way to future rational drug design and therapeutic compound development. Indeed, agonist, antagonist, biased agonist, or pharmacological chaperone analogues of AVP and OT are promising candidates to regulate different physiological functions and treat several pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Bous
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France; CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Aurélien Fouillen
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France; CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Hélène Orcel
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Sébastien Granier
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Bron
- CBS (Centre de Biologie Structurale), Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
| | - Bernard Mouillac
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France.
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3
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Jurek B, Denk L, Schäfer N, Salehi MS, Pandamooz S, Haerteis S. Oxytocin accelerates tight junction formation and impairs cellular migration in 3D spheroids: evidence from Gapmer-induced exon skipping. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1000538. [PMID: 36263085 PMCID: PMC9574052 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1000538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OXT) is a neuropeptide that has been associated with neurological diseases like autism, a strong regulating activity on anxiety and stress-related behavior, physiological effects during pregnancy and parenting, and various cellular effects in neoplastic tissue. In this study, we aimed to unravel the underlying mechanism that OXT employs to regulate cell-cell contacts, spheroid formation, and cellular migration in a 3D culture model of human MLS-402 cells. We have generated a labeled OXT receptor (OXTR) overexpressing cell line cultivated in spheroids that were treated with the OXTR agonists OXT, Atosiban, and Thr4-Gly7-oxytocin (TGOT); with or without a pre-treatment of antisense oligos (Gapmers) that induce exon skipping in the human OXTR gene. This exon skipping leads to the exclusion of exon 4 and therefore a receptor that lost its intracellular G-protein-binding domain. Sensitive digital PCR (dPCR) provided us with the means to differentiate between wild type and truncated OXTR in our cellular model. OXTR truncation differentially activated intracellular signaling cascades related to cell-cell attachment and proliferation like Akt, ERK1/2-RSK1/2, HSP27, STAT1/5, and CREB, as assessed by a Kinase Profiler Assay. Digital and transmission electron microscopy revealed increased tight junction formation and well-organized cellular protrusions into an enlarged extracellular space after OXT treatment, resulting in increased cellular survival. In summary, OXT decreases cellular migration but increases cell-cell contacts and therefore improves nutrient supply. These data reveal a novel cellular effect of OXT that might have implications for degenerating CNS diseases and tumor formation in various tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jurek
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Lucia Denk
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Schäfer
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- Experimental Orthopaedics, Centre for Medical Biotechnology (ZMB), Bio Park 1, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Mohammad Saied Salehi
- Clinical Neurology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Science, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sareh Pandamooz
- Stem Cells Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Silke Haerteis
- Institute for Molecular and Cellular Anatomy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Silke Haerteis
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4
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The Role of Neuropeptide-Stimulated cAMP-EPACs Signalling in Cancer Cells. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27010311. [PMID: 35011543 PMCID: PMC8746471 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27010311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are autocrine and paracrine signalling factors and mainly bind to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to trigger intracellular secondary messenger release including adenosine 3′, 5′-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), thus modulating cancer progress in different kind of tumours. As one of the downstream effectors of cAMP, exchange proteins directly activated by cAMP (EPACs) play dual roles in cancer proliferation and metastasis. More evidence about the relationship between neuropeptides and EPAC pathways have been proposed for their potential role in cancer development; hence, this review focuses on the role of neuropeptide/GPCR system modulation of cAMP/EPACs pathways in cancers. The correlated downstream pathways between neuropeptides and EPACs in cancer cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis is discussed to glimmer the direction of future research.
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5
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Li D, San M, Zhang J, Yang A, Xie W, Chen Y, Lu X, Zhang Y, Zhao M, Feng X, Zheng Y. Oxytocin receptor induces mammary tumorigenesis through prolactin/p-STAT5 pathway. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:588. [PMID: 34099636 PMCID: PMC8184747 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03849-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin receptor (OXTR) is involved in social behaviors, thermoregulation, and milk ejection, yet little is known about its role in breast cancer. To investigate the role of OXTR in mammary gland development and tumorigenesis, a transgenic mouse model of OXTR overexpression (++Oxtr) was used. Overexpression of OXTR-induced progressive mammary hyperplasia, unexpected milk production, and tumorigenesis in females. OXTR-induced mammary tumors showed ERBB2 upregulation and mixed histological subtypes with predomination of papillary and medullary carcinomas. OXTR overexpression led to an activation of prolactin (PRL)/p-STAT5 pathway and created a microenvironment that promotes mammary-specific tumorigenesis. PRL inhibitor bromocriptine (Br) could mitigate OXTR-driven mammary tumor growth. The study demonstrates Oxtr is an oncogene and a potential drug target for HER2-type breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Transgenic Research Center, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China.,The Precise Medicine Center, Department of Basic Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110034, China
| | - Mingjun San
- Transgenic Research Center, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Transgenic Research Center, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Anlan Yang
- Transgenic Research Center, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Wanhua Xie
- The Precise Medicine Center, Department of Basic Medicine, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110034, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Transgenic Research Center, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China.,School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China
| | - Xiaodan Lu
- Transgenic Research Center, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Yuntao Zhang
- Transgenic Research Center, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Mingyue Zhao
- Transgenic Research Center, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China
| | - Xuechao Feng
- Transgenic Research Center, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China.
| | - Yaowu Zheng
- Transgenic Research Center, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, Jilin, 130024, China. .,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030006, China.
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6
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Liu H, Gruber CW, Alewood PF, Möller A, Muttenthaler M. The oxytocin receptor signalling system and breast cancer: a critical review. Oncogene 2020; 39:5917-5932. [PMID: 32782397 PMCID: PMC7483001 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01415-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is making up one-quarter of all new female cancer cases diagnosed worldwide. Breast cancer surgeries, radiation therapies, cytotoxic chemotherapies and targeted therapies have made significant progress and play a dominant role in breast cancer patient management. However, many challenges remain, including resistance to systemic therapies, tumour recurrence and metastasis. The cyclic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) elicits a plethora of biological responses via the oxytocin receptor (OTR) in both the central and peripheral nervous system, including social bonding, stress, maternal behaviour, sexual activity, uterus contraction, milk ejection and cancer. As a typical member of the G protein-coupled receptor family, OTR represents also an intriguing target for cancer therapy. There is emerging evidence that OTR plays a role in breast cancer development and progression, and several breast cancer cell lines express OTR. However, despite supporting evidence that OT lowers breast cancer risks, its mechanistic role in breast cancer development and the related signalling pathways are not fully understood. Here, we review the current knowledge of the OT/OTR signalling system in healthy breast tissue as well as in breast cancer, and discuss OTR as a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Liu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Christian W Gruber
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul F Alewood
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Andreas Möller
- Tumour Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Markus Muttenthaler
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, 4072, Australia. .,Institute of Biological Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
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Lim JS, Eom YW, Lee ES, Kwon HJ, Kwon JY, Choi J, Chung CH, Jo YS, Lee EJ. Effects of Oxytocin on Cell Proliferation in a Corticotroph Adenoma Cell Line. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2019; 34:302-313. [PMID: 31565883 PMCID: PMC6769335 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2019.34.3.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin (OXT) has been reported to act as a growth regulator in various tumor cells. However, there is a paucity of data on the influence of OXT on cell proliferation of corticotroph adenomas. This study aimed to examine whether OXT affects cell growth in pituitary tumor cell lines (AtT20 and GH3 cells) with a focus on corticotroph adenoma cells. METHODS Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted with AtT20 cells to confirm the effects of OXT on hormonal activity; flow cytometry was used to assess changes in the cell cycle after OXT treatment. Moreover, the impact of OXT on proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), nuclear factor κB, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway was analyzed by Western blot. RESULTS OXT treatment of 50 nM changed the gene expression of OXT receptor and pro-opiomelanocortin within a short time. In addition, OXT significantly reduced adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion within 1 hour. S and G2/M populations of AtT20 cells treated with OXT for 24 hours were significantly decreased compared to the control. Furthermore, OXT treatment decreased the protein levels of PCNA and phosphorylated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (P-ERK) in AtT20 cells. CONCLUSION Although the cytotoxic effect of OXT in AtT20 cells was not definite, OXT may blunt cell proliferation of corticotroph adenomas by altering the cell cycle or reducing PCNA and P-ERK levels. Further research is required to investigate the role of OXT as a potential therapeutic target in corticotroph adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Soo Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Institute of Evidence-based Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Young Woo Eom
- Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Eun Soo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hyeong Ju Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Ja Young Kwon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Junjeong Choi
- Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Pharmacy, Incheon, Korea
| | - Choon Hee Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Young Suk Jo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Jig Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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8
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Hua S, Vaughan B. In vitro comparison of liposomal drug delivery systems targeting the oxytocin receptor: a potential novel treatment for obstetric complications. Int J Nanomedicine 2019; 14:2191-2206. [PMID: 30988616 PMCID: PMC6443222 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s198116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Targeted intervention to the uterus has great potential for the treatment of obstetric complications (eg, preterm birth, dysfunctional labor, and postpartum hemorrhage) by improving the effectiveness and safety of therapeutic compounds. In particular, targeting the oxytocin receptor (OTR) is a novel approach for drug delivery to the uterus. The aim of this study was to report the complete data set for the pharmaceutical synthesis and in vitro characterization of PEGylated liposomes conjugated with anti-OTR monoclonal antibodies (OTR-Lipo) or atosiban (ATO-Lipo, OTR antagonist). Methods OTR-targeted liposomal platforms composed of 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-2-phosphocholine and cholesterol were prepared according to the method of dried lipid film hydration. Ligands were conjugated with the surface of liposomes using optimized methods to maximize conjugation efficiency. The liposomes were characterized for particle size, ligand conjugation, drug encapsulation, liposome stability, specificity of binding, cellular internalization, mechanistic pathway of cellular uptake, and cellular toxicity. Results Both OTR-Lipo and ATO-Lipo showed significant and specific binding to OTRs in a concentration-dependent manner compared to all control groups. There was no significant difference in binding values between OTR-Lipo and ATO-Lipo across all concentrations evaluated. In addition, OTR-Lipo (81.61%±7.84%) and ATO-Lipo (85.59%±8.28%) demonstrated significantly increased cellular internalization in comparison with rabbit IgG immunoliposomes (9.14%±1.71%) and conventional liposomes (4.09%±0.78%) at 2.02 mM phospholipid concentration. Cellular association following liposome incubation at 4.05 mM resulted in similar findings. Evaluation of the mechanistic pathway of cellular uptake indicated that they undergo internalization through both clathrin- and caveolin-mediated mechanisms. Furthermore, cellular toxicity studies have shown no significant effect of both liposomal platforms on cell viability. Conclusion This study further supports OTRs as a novel pharmaceutical target for drug delivery. OTR-targeted liposomal platforms may provide an effective way to deliver existing therapies directly to myometrial tissue and avoid adverse effects by circumventing non-target tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Hua
- Therapeutic Targeting Research Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia, .,Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia,
| | - Benjamin Vaughan
- Centre for Organic Electronics, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
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Ji H, Liu N, Li J, Chen D, Luo D, Sun Q, Yin Y, Liu Y, Bu B, Chen X, Li J. Oxytocin involves in chronic stress-evoked melanoma metastasis via β-arrestin 2-mediated ERK signaling pathway. Carcinogenesis 2019; 40:1395-1404. [PMID: 30923807 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgz064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Stress is associated with an increased risk of lung metastasis in melanoma. However, the underlying mechanism is elusive. Oxytocin (OXT), a neurohormone produced by the hypothalamus, plays a vital role in laboring induction and lactation. Emerging evidence suggests that OXT also regulates human emotions, social cognition, social behaviors and stress-related disorders. Here, we reported that a significant up-regulation of oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) was observed in malignant melanoma. The activation of OXTRs dramatically promoted migration, invasion and angiogenesis but not the proliferation of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo via β-arrestin 2-dependent ERK-VEGF/MMP-2 pathway. Next, chronic restraint stress significantly elevated the plasma level of OXT. Notably, 21 days chronic restraint stress facilitated lung metastasis of melanoma and reduced overall survival in mice, which were largely abrogated by knocking down either OXTR or β-arrestin 2. These findings provide evidence that chronic stress hormone-OXT promotes lung metastasis of melanoma via a β-arrestin 2-dependent mechanism and suggest that OXT, a novel pro-metastasis factor, is a potential therapeutic target for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyi Ji
- Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Hematology Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Pathology, Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, China
| | - Dawei Chen
- Laboratory of Medical Chemistry, GIGA-Molecular Biology of Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Dan Luo
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, Ji’nan, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yingchun Yin
- Department of Pathology, Central Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, China
| | - Yanli Liu
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Research Center, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Bing Bu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Ji’nan, China
| | | | - Jingxin Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University Cheeloo Medical College, Ji’nan, China
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Alizadeh AM, Heydari Z, Rahimi M, Bazgir B, Shirvani H, Alipour S, Heidarian Y, Khalighfard S, Isanejad A. Oxytocin mediates the beneficial effects of the exercise training on breast cancer. Exp Physiol 2017; 103:222-235. [PMID: 29143998 DOI: 10.1113/ep086463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? We hypothesized that potential anti-tumour effects of exercise training might be mediated by oxytocin and explored the underlying mechanisms in a mouse model of breast cancer. What is the main finding and its importance? Interval exercise training, by inducing oxytocin secretion, may reduce the activity of the PI3K/Akt and ERK pathways, and consequently, results in a smaller tumour volume in a mouse model of breast cancer. Exercise training can affect the growth of breast tumours. We hypothesized that exercise training might reduce breast tumour growth by inducing oxytocin (OT) secretion and its related signalling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt and ERK. Therefore, 56 BALB/c mice were equally divided into seven groups to study the effects of OT and atosiban (an oxytocin receptor antagonist) together with interval exercise training on mammary tumour growth, as well as tumour-related signalling pathways, including PI3K/Akt and ERK. Animal weight, OT plasma concentration, tumour weight and volume were measured at the end of the study. PI3K/Akt and ERK were evaluated by Western blot and qPCR assays. The results showed that OT plasma concentration was significantly increased in trained animals. The volume and weight of tumours were decreased significantly after both exercise training and OT administration. The expression of genes involved in tumour cell proliferation, such as PI3KR2, Akt and mTOR, was notably lower in the exercise-trained and OT-treated groups. Furthermore, the expression of genes involved in cell apoptosis, such as caspase-3 and Bax, was significantly increased in the tumour tissues. In addition, Western blot results showed that phosphorylated Akt and ERK were significantly decreased in the exercise training and OT groups compared with the tumour group. Interestingly, atosiban reversed these effects. These results indicated that interval exercise training, acting via OT secretion, may reduce PI3K/Akt and ERK axis activities, and consequently, decrease tumour volume and weight in a mouse model of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mohammad Alizadeh
- Cancer Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Breast Diseases Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Heydari
- Cancer Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Rahimi
- Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Behzad Bazgir
- Exercise Physiology Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Shirvani
- Exercise Physiology Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sadaf Alipour
- Breast Diseases Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yassaman Heidarian
- Cancer Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Solmaz Khalighfard
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Isanejad
- Immunoregulation Research Center, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran
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11
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Oxytocin inhibits head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell migration by early growth response-1 upregulation. Anticancer Drugs 2017; 28:613-622. [PMID: 28452807 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000000501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The effect of oxytocin (OXT) on cancer invasion is controversial. Few studies have examined the effect of early growth response-1 (EGR1) on the invasion of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we evaluated how EGR1 affects HNSCC cell migration through the molecular mechanism of OXT in exerting anti-invasion activity. Matrigel invasion and wound-healing assays were used to measure the in-vitro cell migration. The molecular mechanism of OXT was assessed by knockdown or overexpression of EGR1 in HNSCC cells. Three-dimensional (3-D) spheroids formation, followed by the image analysis for quantification was performed. OXT at 500 nmol/l increased mRNA and protein expression of E-cadherin without cytotoxicity. OXT upregulated mRNA and protein expression of EGR1 in 6 h. p53, phosphatase and tensin, and p21 expression was increased in an EGR1-dependent manner with OXT treatment. In addition, OXT significantly downregulated 3-D spheroids' formation according to spheroids' number and size. Our data showed that OXT downregulated HNSCC cell migration by EGR1 upregulation. OXT inhibited spheroids' formation of HNSCC cells under 3-D culture conditions.
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12
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Faubion SS, Loprinzi CL, Ruddy KJ. Management of Hormone Deprivation Symptoms After Cancer. Mayo Clin Proc 2016; 91:1133-46. [PMID: 27492917 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2016.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer survivors often experience symptoms related to hormone deprivation, including vasomotor symptoms, genitourinary symptoms, and sexual health concerns. These symptoms can occur due to natural menopause in midlife women, or they can be brought on by oncologic therapies in younger women or men. We searched PubMed for English-language studies from January 1990 through January 2016 to identify relevant articles on the management of hormone deprivation symptoms, including vasomotor, genitourinary, and sexual symptoms in patients with cancer. The search terms used included hormone deprivation, vasomotor symptoms, hot flash, vaginal dryness, sexual dysfunction, and breast cancer. This manuscript provides a comprehensive description of data supporting the treatment of symptoms associated with hormone deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie S Faubion
- Women's Health Clinic, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| | - Charles L Loprinzi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Kathryn J Ruddy
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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Lagergren K, Ek WE, Levine D, Chow WH, Bernstein L, Casson AG, Risch HA, Shaheen NJ, Bird NC, Reid BJ, Corley DA, Hardie LJ, Wu AH, Fitzgerald RC, Pharoah P, Caldas C, Romero Y, Vaughan TL, MacGregor S, Whiteman D, Westberg L, Nyren O, Lagergren J. Polymorphisms in Genes of Relevance for Oestrogen and Oxytocin Pathways and Risk of Barrett's Oesophagus and Oesophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Pooled Analysis from the BEACON Consortium. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138738. [PMID: 26406593 PMCID: PMC4583498 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The strong male predominance in oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) and Barrett's oesophagus (BO) continues to puzzle. Hormonal influence, e.g. oestrogen or oxytocin, might contribute. METHODS This genetic-epidemiological study pooled 14 studies from three continents, Australia, Europe, and North America. Polymorphisms in 3 key genes coding for the oestrogen pathway (receptor alpha (ESR1), receptor beta (ESR2), and aromatase (CYP19A1)), and 3 key genes of the oxytocin pathway (the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), oxytocin protein (OXT), and cyclic ADP ribose hydrolase glycoprotein (CD38)), were analysed using a gene-based approach, versatile gene-based test association study (VEGAS). RESULTS Among 1508 OAC patients, 2383 BO patients, and 2170 controls, genetic variants within ESR1 were associated with BO in males (p = 0.0058) and an increased risk of OAC and BO combined in males (p = 0.0023). Genetic variants within OXTR were associated with an increased risk of BO in both sexes combined (p = 0.0035) and in males (p = 0.0012). We followed up these suggestive findings in a further smaller data set, but found no replication. There were no significant associations between the other 4 genes studied and risk of OAC, BO, separately on in combination, in males and females combined or in males only. CONCLUSION Genetic variants in the oestrogen receptor alpha and the oxytocin receptor may be associated with an increased risk of BO or OAC, but replication in other large samples are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Lagergren
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Molecular medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Weronica E. Ek
- Statistical Genetics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - David Levine
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Wong-Ho Chow
- Department of Epidemiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Leslie Bernstein
- Department of Population Sciences, Beckman Research Institute and City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, California, United States of America
| | - Alan G. Casson
- Department of Surgery, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Harvey A. Risch
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Nicholas J. Shaheen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UNC School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Nigel C. Bird
- Department of Oncology, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Brian J. Reid
- Division of Human Biology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Douglas A. Corley
- Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Division of Research, Oakland, California, United States of America
| | - Laura J. Hardie
- Division of Epidemiology, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Anna H. Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Rebecca C. Fitzgerald
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Cancer Unit, Hutchison-MRC Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Pharoah
- Department of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Carlos Caldas
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne Romero
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Thomas L. Vaughan
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Stuart MacGregor
- Statistical Genetics, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Whiteman
- Cancer Control Group, Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lars Westberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Olof Nyren
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jesper Lagergren
- Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Molecular medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Cancer Studies, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Assinder SJ, Davies K, Surija J, Liu-Fu F. Oxytocin differentially effects 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 5α-reductase activities in prostate cancer cell lines. Peptides 2015. [PMID: 26211892 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
It is known that oxytocin stimulates steroidogenesis in several organs by modulating activity of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSD3B) and steroid 5α-reductases (SRD5A). However, this has not been established in prostate cancer where these enzymes, key to local production of androgens, are increased. Analysis of both HSD3B and SRD5A activities using a live cell in situ colourimetric assay demonstrated that in PC-3 cells HSD3B activity was significantly increased by oxytocin whilst SRD5A activity was unchanged. This was confirmed in ELISA based assays of conversion of pregnenolone to progesterone and testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in cell lysates following treatment. In contrast, oxytocin significantly inhibited HSD3B activity in LNCaPs, but significantly increased activity of SRD5A, as confirmed by ELISA assays. Analysis of both cell lines by microarray and qRT-PCR determined that these changes were not due to altered gene transcription. This study demonstrates differential effects of oxytocin on the activities of key de novo steroidogenic enzymes in prostate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Assinder
- Disciplines of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Kathryn Davies
- Disciplines of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Jonathan Surija
- Disciplines of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Frank Liu-Fu
- Disciplines of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences and Bosch Institute, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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15
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Al-Saqi SH, Uvnäs-Moberg K, Jonasson AF. Intravaginally applied oxytocin improves post-menopausal vaginal atrophy. Post Reprod Health 2015; 21:88-97. [PMID: 25995333 PMCID: PMC4566058 DOI: 10.1177/2053369115577328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Objective To explore the efficacy of local oxytocin for the treatment of post-menopausal vaginal atrophy. Design Double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Setting Healthy post-menopausal women in Stockholm, Sweden. Participants Sixty four post-menopausal women between February and June 2012 at the Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge/Sweden. Main outcome measures The efficacy of oxytocin for treatment of vaginal atrophy after seven weeks and cytological evaluation. Results The percentage of superficial cells in the vaginal smears and the maturation values were significantly increased after seven weeks of treatment with vagitocin 400 IU (p = 0.0288 and p = 0.0002, respectively). The vaginal pH decreased significantly after seven weeks of treatment with vagitocin 100 IU (p = 0.02). The scores of vaginal atrophy, according to the histological evaluation, were significantly reduced after administration of vagitocin 100 IU (p = 0.03). The thickness of the endometrium did not differ between the treatment and placebo groups after seven weeks of treatment. The symptom experienced as the most bothersome was significantly reduced after seven weeks of treatment in the women receiving vagitocin 400 IU compared to women in the placebo group (p = 0.0089). Conclusions Treatment with intravaginally applied oxytocin could be an alternative to local estrogen treatment in women with post-menopausal vaginal atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahla H Al-Saqi
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg
- Department of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Skara, Sweden School of Life Science, University of Skövde, Skövde, Sweden
| | - Aino F Jonasson
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Abstract
Oxytocin is a neurohypophyseal hormone that is produced centrally by neurons in the paraventricular nucleus and supraoptic nucleus of the hypothalamus. It is released directly into higher brain centres and into the peripheral circulation where it produces a multitude of effects. Classically, oxytocin is known for inducing uterine contractions at parturition and milk ejection during suckling. Oxytocin also acts in a species and gender specific manner as an important neuromodulator. It can affect behaviours associated with stress and anxiety, as well social behaviours including sexual and relationship behaviours, and maternal care. Additionally, oxytocin has been shown to have a variety of physiological roles in peripheral tissues, many of which appear to be modulated largely by locally produced oxytocin, dispelling the notion that oxytocin is a purely neurohypophyseal hormone. Oxytocin levels are altered in several diseases and the use of oxytocin or its antagonists have been identified as a possible clinical intervention in the treatment of mood disorders and pain conditions, some cancers, benign prostatic disease and osteoporosis. Indeed, oxytocin has already been successful in clinical trials to treat autism and schizophrenia. This review will report briefly on the known functions of oxytocin, it will discuss in depth the data from recent clinical trials and highlight future targets for oxytocinergic modulation.
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17
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Zhou L, Sun WL, Young AB, Lee K, McGinty JF, See RE. Oxytocin reduces cocaine seeking and reverses chronic cocaine-induced changes in glutamate receptor function. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 18:pyu009. [PMID: 25539504 PMCID: PMC4368863 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyu009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin, a neurohypophyseal neuropeptide, is a potential mediator and regulator of drug addiction. However, the cellular mechanisms of oxytocin in drug seeking remain unknown. METHODS In the present study, we used a self-administration/reinstatement model to study the effects of oxytocin on cocaine seeking and its potential interaction with glutamate function at the receptor level. RESULTS Systemic oxytocin dose-dependently reduced cocaine self-administration during various schedules of reinforcement, including fixed ratio 1, fixed ratio 5, and progressive ratio. Oxytocin also attenuated reinstatement to cocaine seeking induced by cocaine prime or conditioned cues. Western-blot analysis indicated that oxytocin increased phosphorylation of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-type glutamate receptor GluA1 subunit at the Ser 845 site with or without accompanying increases in phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, in several brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, amygdala, and dorsal hippocampus. Immunoprecipitation of oxytocin receptor and GluA1 subunit receptors further demonstrated a physical interaction between these 2 receptors, although the interaction was not influenced by chronic cocaine or oxytocin treatment. Oxytocin also attenuated sucrose seeking in a GluA1- or extracellular-signal-regulated kinase-independent manner. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that oxytocin mediates cocaine seeking through interacting with glutamate receptor systems via second messenger cascades in mesocorticolimbic regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyi Zhou
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina (Drs Zhou, Sun, Young, Lee, McGinty, and See)
| | - Wei-Lun Sun
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina (Drs Zhou, Sun, Young, Lee, McGinty, and See)
| | - Amy B Young
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina (Drs Zhou, Sun, Young, Lee, McGinty, and See)
| | - Kunhee Lee
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina (Drs Zhou, Sun, Young, Lee, McGinty, and See)
| | - Jacqueline F McGinty
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina (Drs Zhou, Sun, Young, Lee, McGinty, and See)
| | - Ronald E See
- Department of Neurosciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina (Drs Zhou, Sun, Young, Lee, McGinty, and See).
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Imanieh MH, Bagheri F, Alizadeh AM, Ashkani-Esfahani S. Oxytocin has therapeutic effects on cancer, a hypothesis. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 741:112-23. [PMID: 25094035 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.07.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is the first peptide hormone structurally assessed and chemically synthesized in biologically active form. This hormone acts as an important factor in a human reproductive system particularly during pregnancy and lactation in women. So far, different therapeutic roles for OT have been identified as a spectrum from central and peripheral actions on male and female reproductive systems, circulatory system, musculoskeletal system, etc. Some in vitro and in vivo studies also revealed that OT is responsible for bivariate biological functions involved in cancer as following. By activating OT receptor in tumoral cells, OT enacts as a growth regulator, whether activator or inhibitor. Regarding the increase of OT in some conditions such as breastfeeding, exercise, and multiparity, we can relate the effect of these conditions on cancer with OT effects. Based on this hypothesis, we present a review on the effects of this neuropeptide on various types of cancer and also the influence of these conditions on the same cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fereshte Bagheri
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Alizadeh
- Cancer Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 1419733141, Tehran, Iran.
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19
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Effect of oxytocin treatment on explant size, plasma and peritoneal levels of MCP-1, VEGF, TNF-α and histopathological parameters in a rat endometriosis model. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2014; 175:134-9. [PMID: 24447470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of oxytocin (OT) on surgically induced endometriosis in a rat model. STUDY DESIGN Twelve female Sprague-Dawley rats were included. After the implantation and establishment of autologous endometrium onto the abdominal wall peritoneum, the rats were randomly divided into two groups, treated with intramuscular oxytocin (OT group, 160μgkg/day, n=6) or isotonic NaCl solution (control group, 1mLkg/day, n=6) for 28 days. To evaluate the therapeutic effects of OT, the explant volumes were calculated and the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), monocyte chemotactic protein-1, and TNF-α were measured in plasma and peritoneal fluid. Endometriotic explants were examined histologically by semiquantitative analysis. RESULTS After treatment, the mean endometriotic explant volume was decreased in the OT group (p=0.016). The histopathological score and VEGF immunoexpression of endometriotic explants were significantly lower in the OT group (p=0.007) than in controls (p=0.000). Inflammatory cytokine levels in plasma and peritoneal fluid were considerably decreased in the OT group. Moreover, TUNEL immunohistochemistry clearly demonstrated more apoptotic changes in the mononuclear cells of the OT group compared with controls. CONCLUSION We suggest that oxytocin might be considered as a potential candidate therapeutic agent for endometriosis.
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Déry MC, Chaudhry P, Leblanc V, Parent S, Fortier AM, Asselin E. Oxytocin increases invasive properties of endometrial cancer cells through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT-dependent up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-1, -2, and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein. Biol Reprod 2011; 85:1133-42. [PMID: 21816851 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.111.093278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, oxytocin (OT) is well known to play a crucial role in the regulation of cyclic changes in the uterus, implantation of the embryo, and parturition. Recently, an additional role for OT has been identified in several types of cancer cells in which OT acts as a growth regulator. In endometrial cancer cells, OT is known to efficiently inhibit cellular proliferation. In the present study, we show that OT increases invasiveness of human endometrial carcinoma (HEC) cells, which are otherwise resistant to the growth-inhibiting effects of OT. Using pharmacological inhibitors, invasion assay, RNA interference, and immunofluorescence, we found that OT enhances the invasive properties of HEC cells through up-regulation of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP), matrix-metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), and matrix-metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14). In addition, we show that OT-mediated invasion is both cyclooxygenase 1 (PTGS1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (PTGS2) dependent via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT (PIK3/AKT) pathway. PTGS2 knockdown by shRNA resulted in XIAP down-regulation. We also show that OT receptor is overexpressed in grade I to III endometrial cancer. Taken together, our results describe for the first time a novel role for OT in endometrial cancer cell invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude Déry
- Research Group in Molecular Oncology and Endocrinology, Department of Chemistry and Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada
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Viero C, Shibuya I, Kitamura N, Verkhratsky A, Fujihara H, Katoh A, Ueta Y, Zingg HH, Chvatal A, Sykova E, Dayanithi G. REVIEW: Oxytocin: Crossing the bridge between basic science and pharmacotherapy. CNS Neurosci Ther 2010; 16:e138-56. [PMID: 20626426 PMCID: PMC2972642 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00185.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Is oxytocin the hormone of happiness? Probably not. However, this small nine amino acid peptide is involved in a wide variety of physiological and pathological functions such as sexual activity, penile erection, ejaculation, pregnancy, uterus contraction, milk ejection, maternal behavior, osteoporosis, diabetes, cancer, social bonding, and stress, which makes oxytocin and its receptor potential candidates as targets for drug therapy. In this review, we address the issues of drug design and specificity and focus our discussion on recent findings on oxytocin and its heterotrimeric G protein‐coupled receptor OTR. In this regard, we will highlight the following topics: (i) the role of oxytocin in behavior and affectivity, (ii) the relationship between oxytocin and stress with emphasis on the hypothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis, (iii) the involvement of oxytocin in pain regulation and nociception, (iv) the specific action mechanisms of oxytocin on intracellular Ca2+ in the hypothalamo neurohypophysial system (HNS) cell bodies, (v) newly generated transgenic rats tagged by a visible fluorescent protein to study the physiology of vasopressin and oxytocin, and (vi) the action of the neurohypophysial hormone outside the central nervous system, including the myometrium, heart and peripheral nervous system. As a short nine amino acid peptide, closely related to its partner peptide vasopressin, oxytocin appears to be ideal for the design of agonists and antagonists of its receptor. In addition, not only the hormone itself and its binding to OTR, but also its synthesis, storage and release can be endogenously and exogenously regulated to counteract pathophysiological states. Understanding the fundamental physiopharmacology of the effects of oxytocin is an important and necessary approach for developing a potential pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric Viero
- Department of Cardiology, Wales Heart Research Institute, Cardiff University, UK
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23
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Tom N, Assinder SJ. Oxytocin in health and disease. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2010; 42:202-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2009.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2009] [Revised: 10/08/2009] [Accepted: 10/09/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Taskapilioglu O, Akkaya C, Sarandol A, Kirli S. Pathological yawning in a patient with anxiety and chronic disease anaemia. J Psychopharmacol 2009; 23:211-3. [PMID: 18515462 DOI: 10.1177/0269881108089812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Yawning, frequent in daily life, is accepted as a complex arousal reflex. Excessive yawning may be due to neurological, psychiatric, infectious, gastrointestinal or metabolic diseases. This reflex has also been associated with different selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. We report a female patient, with excessive yawning, who was on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment with the diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder. She was then found to have endometrial carcinoma. Her complaints of palpitation, shortness of breath and loss of energy might be explained by a psychiatric disease and/or anaemia. Previous anaemic periods and partial response of her psychiatric symptoms during last 3 years alerted us to think about an organic cause. Investigations for chronic disease anaemia resulted in diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma. This case is a good example showing misdiagnosis caused by medical stigmatisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Taskapilioglu
- Department of Neurology, Uludag University Medical Faculty, Bursa, Turkey
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Barge A, Cappelletti E, Cravotto G, Ferrigato A, Lattuada L, Marinoni F, Tei L. Synthesis of functionalised HP-DO3A chelating agents for conjugation to biomolecules. Org Biomol Chem 2009; 7:3810-6. [DOI: 10.1039/b905369g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Sendemir E, Herbert Z, Sivukhina E, Zermann DH, Arnold R, Jirikowski GF. Colocalization of Androgen Binding Protein, Oxytocin Receptor, Caveolin 1 and Proliferation Marker p21 in Benign Prostate Hyperplasia. Anat Histol Embryol 2008; 37:325-31. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2008.00848.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Petersson M. Opposite effects of oxytocin on proliferation of osteosarcoma cell lines. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 150:50-4. [PMID: 18384894 DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2008.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2007] [Revised: 02/15/2008] [Accepted: 02/15/2008] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Oxytocin stimulates proliferation of human osteoblast-like (hOB) cells and human osteosarcoma cells (SaOS-2). In contrast, oxytocin has also been shown to inhibit proliferation of other cell lines such as breast cancer cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of oxytocin on cell proliferation in osteosarcoma cell lines of different stages of differentiation: SaOS-2, TE-85, and UMR-106. For this purpose cells were incubated with oxytocin (1-1000 pmol/l). Cell proliferation was measured by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation and a commercially available kit (EZ4U). Incubation with oxytocin during 24 h increased proliferation of SaOS-2 cells significantly (100 pmol/l: p<0.01). In contrast, 24 h of incubation with oxytocin decreased proliferation of TE-85 (100 pmol/l: p<0.01) and UMR-106 cells significantly (100 pmol/l: p<0.01). The effects of oxytocin in SaOS-2 and TE-85, but not in UMR-106 cells, were abolished when the cells were incubated with both oxytocin and an oxytocin antagonist (1-deamino-2-D-Tyr-(Oet)-4-Thr-8-Orn-oxytocin). Instead incubation with the oxytocin antagonist alone decreased proliferation of UMR-106 cells significantly (p<0.001). Thus oxytocin has the capacity to both stimulate and inhibit cell proliferation of osteosarcoma cells. This effect might be dependent on the stage of differentiation of the cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Petersson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Endocrine and Diabetes Unit, Karolinska Institutet/Karolinska University Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Sendemir A, Sendemir E, Kosmehl H, Jirikowski GF. Expression of sex hormone-binding globulin, oxytocin receptor, caveolin-1 and p21 in leiomyoma. Gynecol Endocrinol 2008; 24:105-12. [PMID: 17952758 DOI: 10.1080/09513590701690274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interaction of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and oxytocin (OT) is among the factors that control smooth muscle proliferation and tumor growth through the oxytocin receptor (OTR). Also, a close functional interaction of OTR and caveolin-1 has been shown to modulate cell growth and proliferation. METHODS We studied surgical samples from 23 leiomyoma patients (aged 33-66 years) with immunocytochemistry. Specimens from five patients (34-76 years), who had hysterectomy for other reasons, served as controls. Tissue samples were cut into serial 1-microm thick sections for co-localization of SHBG, OTR, proliferation marker p21 and caveolin-1. RESULTS SHBG was found in smooth muscle cells in all samples. OTR staining occurred in most of these cells in myomas, while controls contained only scattered cells positive for OTR. There were no apparent differences in immunostaining for p21, while immunoreactivity for caveolin-1 was observed in most cells in myomas and in only few cells in controls. Caveolin-1 was mostly co-localized with SHBG and OTR in myoma samples whereas controls showed this co-localization only occasionally. CONCLUSIONS Our observations indicate an interaction of SHBG and OTR, associated with caveolin-1, which may account in part for known non-genomic actions of ovarian steroids. Growth of leiomyomas may be linked to these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aynur Sendemir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helios Klinikum Erfurt, Erfurt, Germany
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29
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Ndiaye K, Poole DH, Pate JL. Expression and regulation of functional oxytocin receptors in bovine T lymphocytes. Biol Reprod 2007; 78:786-93. [PMID: 18094352 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.107.065938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The corpus luteum (CL) produces oxytocin (OXT), which has been proposed to regulate the pulsatile release of prostaglandin F2alpha during luteolysis in ruminants. This action of OXT is mediated via oxytocin receptors (OXTRs) present on uterine epithelial cells. It is hypothesized that luteal OXT acts as a paracrine regulator of resident immune cells. In the present study, OXTR mRNA expression in bovine lymphocytes was analyzed, as well as its regulation during the estrous cycle. OXTR transcripts were observed in freshly purified bovine peripheral blood mononuclear cells and T lymphocytes. OXTR mRNA in bovine lymphocytes on Day 3 was numerically greater than but not significantly different from that of Day 19 of the estrous cycle (P=0.091). In cultured T cells, estradiol (E2) treatment significantly increased the steady-state concentrations of OXTR mRNA, but the stimulatory effect of E2 was inhibited by the addition of progesterone (P4). Each of the major T cell subsets (CD4+, CD8+, and gamma delta+) expressed OXTR mRNA, with no significant difference in expression among them. Western blot analyses demonstrated the presence of the bovine OXTR protein at about 45 kDa in lymphocytes, as well as expression of the 14-kDa precursor of OXT. When lymphocytes were treated with OXT, intracellular concentrations of calcium ([Ca2+]i) were rapidly and dramatically increased. This study demonstrated that bovine lymphocytes express OXTRs and that this expression can be regulated in a steroid-dependent manner. Furthermore, OXT elicited a functional [Ca2+]i response in T lymphocytes, supporting the possibility that OXT within the CL could act as a paracrine or autocrine regulator of resident T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalidou Ndiaye
- Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University/Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Wooster, Ohio 44691, USA
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Herbert Z, Bötticher G, Aschoff A, Sendemir E, Zermann DH, Arnold R, Mall G, Jirikowski GF. Changing caveolin-1 and oxytocin receptor distribution in the ageing human prostate. Anat Histol Embryol 2007; 36:361-5. [PMID: 17845226 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2007.00775.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Several observations suggest that caveolin-1 has an important role in control of cell proliferation and cancerogenesis. For instance, oxytocin provokes a proliferative response in the prostate tissue when the oxytocin receptor is localized mainly in caveolin-1-enriched domains and an anti-proliferative effect when the same receptor is not localized in caveolae. Moreover, oxytocin concentrations are elevated in prostate tissue of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In this study the expression pattern of the molecules caveolin-1, oxytocin receptor, androgen receptor and p21 (cell cycle arrest indicator) was investigated in the prostate tissue of BPH patients and of young controls. We found that both caveolin-1 and oxytocin receptor expression is drastically increased with age in both smooth muscle and epithelium of the prostate. We also found a significantly increased co-localization of the oxytocin receptor with caveolin-1 in both the muscle and the epithelium, especially in BPH patients. Androgen receptor and p21 staining was found throughout the prostate but did not change significantly with age or in BPH patients. We conclude that oxytocin may have a proliferative effect on the prostate tissue through the caveolae-associated receptors and thus contribute to BPH. This process seems to be androgen receptor independent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Herbert
- Department of Biology II, Institute of Neurobiology, LMU, München, Germany.
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31
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Jójárt B, Márki A. Possible dynamic anchor points in a benzoxazinone derivative-human oxytocin receptor system--a molecular docking and dynamics calculation. J Mol Model 2007; 13:1-10. [PMID: 16676211 DOI: 10.1007/s00894-006-0112-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2005] [Accepted: 02/15/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we performed a molecular docking and dynamics simulation for a benzoxazinone-human oxytocin receptor system to determine the possible hydrophobic and electrostatic interaction points in the dynamic complex. After the homology modeling, the ligand was docked into the putative active using AutoDock 3.05. After the application of energetic and structural filters, the complexes obtained were further refined with a simulated annealing protocol (AMBER8) to remove steric clashes. Three complexes were selected for subjection to the molecular dynamics simulation (5 ns), and the results on the occurrence of average anchor points showed a stable complex between the benzoxazinone derivative and the receptor. The complex could be used as a good starting point for further analysis with site-directed mutagenesis, or further computational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balázs Jójárt
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Biopharmacy, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, 6721, Szeged, Hungary.
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Hatami L, Valojerdi MR, Mowla SJ. Effects of oxytocin on cardiomyocyte differentiation from mouse embryonic stem cells. Int J Cardiol 2006; 117:80-9. [PMID: 17034884 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2006.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2005] [Revised: 04/05/2006] [Accepted: 04/28/2006] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the presence of oxytocin receptors and the possible biological role of oxytocin as an effective factor in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into cardiomyocytes. Mouse ESCs were cultivated in hanging drops to form embryoid bodies (EBs). The EBs were then treated with and without oxytocin (experimental and control groups). Up to 30 days after plating, contraction and beating frequency were monitored and evaluated daily. The growth characteristics of the ESC-derived cardiomyocytes were assessed by cardioactive drugs, immunocytochemistry, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the experimental group, the percentage of the EBs with spontaneous contraction was significantly increased from 17th day onward. The spontaneous beating frequency of each EB in both groups was also changed with cardioactive drugs such as Bay K, carbachol, isopernaline and phenylephrine. However, in the experimental group, changes with isopernaline were more pronounced at the early and intermediate stages of cardiomyocyte development. The beating cells of both groups, stained positive with anti alpha-actinin, desmin, cardiac troponin I and connexin antibodies, and revealed similar ultrastructural features. Oxytocin receptors were detected on the ESCs and derived-differentiated cells. In addition, cardiac-specific genes such as cardiac alpha- and beta-myosin heavy chain, myosin light chain-2v, and atrial natriuretic factor were also detected in the ESC-derived differentiated cells of both groups. In the experimental group, all the specific genes, with the exception of alpha-myosin heavy chain, were more pronounced at the early stage of cardiomyocyte development. In conclusion, oxytocin has receptors on undifferentiated ESCs and derived differentiated cells, and in spite of better improvement of the EBs with spontaneous contraction, it can only promote the early maturation of ESC-derived cardiomyocytes in terms of chronotropic responses and expression of cardiac-specific genes, and have no effect on ultrastructural characteristics of cardiomyocytes in any stage of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leili Hatami
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran
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Reversi A, Cassoni P, Chini B. Oxytocin receptor signaling in myoepithelial and cancer cells. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2005; 10:221-9. [PMID: 16807802 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-005-9583-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) plays a crucial role as a mediator of breast myoepithelial cell contraction, the process responsible for the ejection of milk during lactation, and is also involved in myoepithelial cell proliferation and postpartum mammary gland proliferation. Furthermore, although a number of breast cancer cells have oxytocin receptors (OTRs), it has been reported that OT stimulates, inhibits, or has no effect on cell proliferation. As these different effects seem to be mediated by different signaling pathways elicited by OTR stimulation, we here review the regulation of OTR signaling in different cell systems and discuss how understanding the molecular basis of receptor coupling specificity has become extremely important for understanding the role played by OTRs in regulating cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Reversi
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology Section, Milan, Italy
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Vignozzi L, Vannelli GB, Morelli A, Mancina R, Marini M, Ferruzzi P, Crescioli C, Luconi M, Donati S, Fisher AD, Baldi E, Filippi S, Forti G, Maggi M. Identification, characterization and biological activity of oxytocin receptor in the developing human penis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 11:99-106. [PMID: 15591449 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gah138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Although abnormalities of the male external genitalia (MEG) are a relatively common problem, little is known concerning the molecular mechanisms that finely regulate penile development. We report here the expression of the oxytocin receptor (OTR) gene by real-time RT-PCR in human fetal tissues (11th-12th week of gestation), including the MEG. The developing penis expressed a very high level of OTR mRNA, only a half log(10) unit lower than fetal central nervous system, used as a positive control. The OTR protein is also highly expressed (western, immunohistochemistry and binding studies) and immunolocalized both in the mesenchymal body and in the surrounding blood capillaries, which will later constitute penile trabeculae and sinusoids. Binding studies using [125I]oxytocin antagonist ([125I]OTA) in cultured human fetal penile smooth muscle cells (hfPSMC) revealed the presence of specific OTR with a high capacity and affinity for oxytocin (OT) and for OTA. Increasing concentrations of OT dose-dependently induced intracellular Ca2+ mobilization. Furthermore, OTR mediated an increase in the proliferation and the migration of hfPSMC. In conclusion, we demonstrate that in the developing human MEG, OTR is highly expressed and might be involved in coordinating timely and appropriate proliferation and migration of the penile cells. Thus, OTR might represent an additional target for investigating human fetal MEG organogenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Calcium/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Chemotaxis
- Gene Expression
- Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental
- Humans
- Male
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/chemistry
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Organogenesis/genetics
- Organogenesis/physiology
- Oxytocin/pharmacology
- Penis/cytology
- Penis/embryology
- Penis/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Oxytocin/analysis
- Receptors, Oxytocin/genetics
- Receptors, Oxytocin/metabolism
- Up-Regulation
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Andrology and Endocrinology Unit, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
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Whittington K, Assinder S, Gould M, Nicholson H. Oxytocin, oxytocin-associated neurophysin and the oxytocin receptor in the human prostate. Cell Tissue Res 2004; 318:375-82. [PMID: 15459766 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-004-0968-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2004] [Accepted: 07/06/2004] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has been implicated in the regulation of prostate growth. However, the cellular localisation of oxytocin in the normal and diseased human prostate is not known. Oxytocin, oxytocin-associated neurophysin and oxytocin receptor were detected by immunohistochemistry in tissues from patients undergoing routine prostatectomy and in normal human prostate epithelial and stromal cell lines. Western blot analysis detected a single band at 14 kDa with neurophysin antiserum and a 66-kDa band with oxytocin receptor antiserum in epithelial and stromal cell lines. Similar sized bands were also detected in extracts of hyperplastic and adenocarcinomic prostate tissues. Oxytocin, oxytocin-associated neurophysin and oxytocin receptor were present in stromal and epithelial cell lines and in tissue from patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. The peptides were localised predominantly to the epithelial cells, although discrete areas of stromal staining were also observed. There was a significant difference in the intensity of oxytocin-staining between tissue displaying benign prostatic hyperplasia and invasive carcinoma, with less immunoreactivity being present in the malignant epithelial cells. Thus, oxytocin and its neurophysin and receptor are present in epithelial and stromal cells of the human prostate. Oxytocin expression is reduced with tumour progression and may provide a marker for invasive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Whittington
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, St Michael's Hospital, University of Bristol, Southwell Street, Bristol, BS2 8EJ, UK
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Jankowski M, Danalache B, Wang D, Bhat P, Hajjar F, Marcinkiewicz M, Paquin J, McCann SM, Gutkowska J. Oxytocin in cardiac ontogeny. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2004; 101:13074-9. [PMID: 15316117 PMCID: PMC516519 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0405324101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies demonstrated the presence of oxytocin (OT) and oxytocin receptors (OTRs) in the heart. The present work provides results supporting a potential role of OT in cardiomyogenesis. Here, we show a maximal OT and OTR protein level in the developing rat heart at day 21 of gestation and postnatal days 1-4, when cardiac myocytes are at a stage of intense hyperplasia. Between postnatal days 1 and 66, OT decreased linearly in all heart chambers (4.1- to 6.6-fold). Correspondingly, immunocytochemistry demonstrated that OTRs, which were eminent in postnatal cardiomyocytes, declined with age to low levels in adults. Interestingly, in coronary vasculature, OTRs developed in endothelial cells at postnatal days 12 and 22 and achieved a plateau in adult rats. These findings suggest that OT can be involved in developmental formation of the coronary vessels. In vivo, the OT/OTR system in the fetal heart was sensitive to the actions of retinoic acid (RA), recognized as a major cardiac morphogen. RA treatment produced a significant increase (2- to 3-fold) both in the OT concentration and in the OT mRNA levels. Ex vivo, an OT antagonist inhibited RA-mediated cardiomyocyte differentiation of P19 embryonic stem cells. The decline of cardiac OT expression from infancy to adulthood of the rat and changes in cell types expressing OTR indicate a dynamic regulation of the OT system in the heart rather than constitutive expression. The results support the hypothesis that RA induces cardiomyogenesis by activation of the cardiac OT system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek Jankowski
- Centre de Recherche, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Hôtel-Dieu, 3840 Rue Saint-Urbain, Montréal, QC, Canada H2W 1T8
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38
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Shibata K, Kikkawa F, Suzuki Y, Mizokami Y, Kajiyama H, Ino K, Nomura S, Nagasaka T, Mizutani S. Expression of placental leucine aminopeptidase is associated with a poor outcome in endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma. Oncology 2004; 66:288-95. [PMID: 15218296 DOI: 10.1159/000078329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2003] [Accepted: 09/22/2003] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Placental leucine aminopeptidase (P-LAP) is a cell surface aminopeptidase (oxytocinase). We cloned P-LAP cDNA and found a widespread tissue distribution of P-LAP. Since P-LAP can degrade several small peptide hormones such as oxytocin, this enzyme may affect many cellular functions of carcinoma cells as well as normal cells. This study investigated whether the expression of P-LAP correlates with clinicopathologic factors and prognosis in patients with endometrial endometrioid adenocarcinoma. METHODS Histologic sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from 99 primary endometrial carcinomas were stained for P-LAP using polyclonal P-LAP antibody. Disease-free survival and other clinicopathologic characteristics were analyzed according to the intensity of P-LAP staining. RESULTS Of 99 cases, 69 (69.7%) showed specific P-LAP immunostaining. We found a positive correlation between the expression of P-LAP and histological grade (p < 0.01), surgical stage of the disease (p = 0.02), myometrial invasion (p = 0.01), lymph node involvement (p < 0.01), and vascular infiltration (p < 0.01). In patients who had strongly positive P-LAP staining, the disease-free interval was significantly lower than in patients who had negative or weakly positive P-LAP staining (p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that strongly immunoreactive P-LAP (odds ratio, 12.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.84-58.8; p < 0.01) and surgical stage (odds ratio, 8.78; 95% confidence interval, 2.77-27.8; p < 0.01) are independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests P-LAP as an independent prognosticator of clinical outcome in patients with endometrial carcinoma. Therefore, assessment of the P-LAP status provides clinically useful prognostic information in patients with endometrial carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyosumi Shibata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
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Morita T, Shibata K, Kikkawa F, Kajiyama H, Ino K, Mizutani S. Oxytocin inhibits the progression of human ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo. Int J Cancer 2004; 109:525-32. [PMID: 14991573 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.20017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The neurohypophyseal nonapeptide oxytocin (OT) is involved in many biologic functions and regulation of cell proliferation under both physiologic and neoplastic conditions. In some cases, OT exhibits an oxytocin receptor (OTR)-mediated antiproliferative effect on cancer cells. In this study, we examined the effects of OT on ovarian carcinoma progression in vitro and in vivo. We investigated the inhibitory effects of OT on cell growth, invasion and migration in vitro. Furthermore, we examined the OT effects in vivo ovarian carcinoma model. We demonstrated OTR expressions in the large majority of ovarian carcinoma tissues, and OT inhibited not only proliferation but also migration and invasion in ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro. Furthermore, we examined the mechanisms of the antiinvasive ability of OT. Secretion of matrix metalloproteinase 2 was slightly inhibited by 10(-7) M OT, while treatment with 10(-7) M OT for 24 hr remarkably enhanced the expression of E-cadherin. In addition, our in vivo study showed that intraperitoneal administration of OT resulted in the reduction of intraperitoneal dissemination of ovarian carcinoma cells. Mean tumor burden in the OT-treated group (0.2 +/- 0.11 g) was significantly (p < 0.05) less than that of physiologic saline-treated group (0.5 +/- 0.54 g). This evidence implies that OT may functionally suppress peritoneal dissemination in ovarian carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Morita
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Ino K, Shibata K, Kajiyama H, Kikkawa F, Mizutani S. Regulatory role of membrane-bound peptidases in the progression of gynecologic malignancies. Biol Chem 2004; 385:683-90. [PMID: 15449704 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2004.084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Membrane-bound peptidases play a key role in the control of growth, differentiation, and signal transduction of many cellular systems by degrading bioactive peptides. Thus, abnormal changes in their expression pattern and catalytic function result in altered peptide activation, which contributes to neoplastic transformation or progression. In this review, we describe our recent findings along with work from other groups on the expression and biological functions of membrane-bound peptidases in cancer, focusing on the regulatory roles of three peptidases, aminopeptidase A (APA), neutral endopeptidase (NEP) and placental leucine aminopeptidase (P-LAP), in the progression of gynecologic malignancies. APA, NEP and P-LAP are differentially expressed and localized in various gynecologic malignancies including cervical cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer and choriocarcinoma in a tumor-type specific pattern. The expression levels are up- or down-regulated depending on histological grade or disease progression. These peptidases play regulatory roles in tumor cell proliferation, invasion or angiogenesis via degradation/inactivation of target peptides such as angiotensin II, endothelin-1 and oxytocin, which act on cancer cells as stimulatory or inhibitory factors. Thus, membrane-bound peptidases may become not only a new diagnostic/prognostic marker, but also a novel molecular target for the treatment of gynecologic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Ino
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan.
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Matsuura K, Nagai T, Nishigaki N, Oyama T, Nishi J, Wada H, Sano M, Toko H, Akazawa H, Sato T, Nakaya H, Kasanuki H, Komuro I. Adult cardiac Sca-1-positive cells differentiate into beating cardiomyocytes. J Biol Chem 2003; 279:11384-91. [PMID: 14702342 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m310822200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 448] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Although somatic stem cells have been reported to exist in various adult organs, there have been few reports concerning stem cells in the heart. We here demonstrate that Sca-1-positive (Sca-1+) cells in adult hearts have some of the features of stem cells. Sca-1+ cells were isolated from adult murine hearts by a magnetic cell sorting system and cultured on gelatin-coated dishes. A fraction of Sca-1+ cells stuck to the culture dish and proliferated slowly. When treated with oxytocin, Sca-1+ cells expressed genes of cardiac transcription factors and contractile proteins and showed sarcomeric structure and spontaneous beating. Isoproterenol treatment increased the beating rate, which was accompanied by the intracellular Ca(2+) transients. The cardiac Sca-1+ cells expressed oxytocin receptor mRNA, and the expression was up-regulated after oxytocin treatment. Some of the Sca-1+ cells expressed alkaline phosphatase after osteogenic induction and were stained with Oil-Red O after adipogenic induction. These results suggest that Sca-1+ cells in the adult murine heart have potential as stem cells and may contribute to the regeneration of injured hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuhisa Matsuura
- Department of Cardiovascular Science and Medicine, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba 260-8670, Japan
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Loddenkemper C, Mechsner S, Foss HD, Dallenbach FE, Anagnostopoulos I, Ebert AD, Stein H. Use of Oxytocin Receptor Expression in Distinguishing Between Uterine Smooth Muscle Tumors and Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma. Am J Surg Pathol 2003; 27:1458-62. [PMID: 14576480 DOI: 10.1097/00000478-200311000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate oxytocin receptor (OTR) expression in the normal uterus, and particularly in uterine smooth muscle tumors and endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESSs) because these tumors can be difficult to distinguish. The expressions of OTR, CD10, h-caldesmon, calponin, smooth muscle actin, and desmin were analyzed in 10 conventional leiomyomas (LMs), 10 highly cellular leiomyomas (HCLs), eight leiomyosarcomas (LMSs), and nine ESSs. In five normal uteri and five cases of adenomyosis, OTR was strongly expressed in the myometrium and showed expression pronounced in the surface epithelium during the late proliferative phase and at the time of ovulation, whereas the endometrial stromal cells were negative. All LMs and HCLs were strongly positive for OTR. Five cases of LMS showed moderate to strong OTR expression in 100% of the tumor cells, whereas three cases were weakly positive in 10-20% of the tumor cells. Every ESS was negative for OTR, except in regions of smooth muscle differentiation. All ESSs were positive for CD10, as were one LM, six HCLs, and five LMSs. The ESSs were negative for h-caldesmon and showed desmin positivity mainly in regions of smooth muscle metaplasia. h-Caldesmon, calponin, smooth muscle actin, and desmin were expressed in all LMs, HCLs, and LMSs except for one leiomyosarcoma with epithelioid features, which was negative for h-caldesmon and calponin. Our study indicates that the evaluation of OTR expression is useful in the distinction of uterine smooth muscle tumors from ESSs, and that the OTR is expressed in normal and neoplastic uterine smooth muscle cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Loddenkemper
- Institute of Pathology, Consultation and Reference Center for Lymph Node Pathology and Haematopathology, University Hospital Benjamin Franklin, Free University, Berlin, Germany.
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Abstract
During the past decade, proof of the principle that peptide receptors can be used successfully for in vivo targeting of human cancers has been provided. The molecular basis for targeting rests on the in vitro observation that peptide receptors can be expressed in large quantities in certain tumors. The clinical impact is at the diagnostic level: in vivo receptor scintigraphy uses radiolabeled peptides for the localization of tumors and their metastases. It is also at the therapeutic level: peptide receptor radiotherapy of tumors emerges as a serious treatment option. Peptides linked to cytotoxic agents are also considered for therapeutic applications. The use of nonradiolabeled, noncytotoxic peptide analogs for long-term antiproliferative treatment of tumors appears promising for only a few tumor types, whereas the symptomatic treatment of neuroendocrine tumors by somatostatin analogs is clearly successful. The present review summarizes and critically evaluates the in vitro data on peptide and peptide receptor expression in human cancers. These data are considered to be the molecular basis for peptide receptor targeting of tumors. The paradigmatic peptide somatostatin and its receptors are extensively reviewed in the light of in vivo targeting of neuroendocrine tumors. The role of the more recently described targeting peptides vasoactive intestinal peptide, gastrin-releasing peptide, and cholecystokinin/gastrin is discussed. Other emerging and promising peptides and their respective receptors, including neurotensin, substance P, and neuropeptide Y, are introduced. This information relates to established and potential clinical applications in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Claude Reubi
- Division of Cell Biology and Experimental Cancer Research, Institute of Pathology, University of Berne, CH-3010 Berne, Switzerland
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Emmer T, Volante M, Pagani A, Allia E, Crafa P, Bussolati G. Potential applications of molecular biology in neuroendocrine tumors. Endocr Pathol 2003; 14:319-28. [PMID: 14739489 DOI: 10.1385/ep:14:4:319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The impact of molecular biology procedures on neuroendocrine (NE) tumor biology is gradually evolving from purely academic and research studies to clinical applications. This review deals with applications of molecular techniques in neuroendocrine tumors, with special reference to their potential for diagnostic, prognostic, or therapeutic impact. Since the cloning of the genes involved in inherited endocrine tumor syndromes, molecular analysis of the responsible genetic alterations has become a routine diagnostic tool to select affected patients and their relatives, and also an interesting approach to investigate the pathogenesis of neuroendocrine tumors. Assessment of the clonal composition of endocrine tumors could be useful to differentiate hyperplastic versus either adenomatous or carcinomatous conditions, as well as to better understand the clonal relationship between different neoplastic populations in mixed tumors. In addition, molecular approaches allow high sensitivity both in defining the neuroendocrine phenotype in poorly differentiated tumors and in searching for micrometastasis during the follow up of patients with endocrine tumors. Finally, the detection of peptide hormone receptors (e.g., oxytocin and somatostatin receptors) and the development of potent synthetic analogs of such peptides, are opening promising applications in the diagnosis and therapy of endocrine tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Emmer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Paquin J, Danalache BA, Jankowski M, McCann SM, Gutkowska J. Oxytocin induces differentiation of P19 embryonic stem cells to cardiomyocytes. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2002; 99:9550-5. [PMID: 12093924 PMCID: PMC123178 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.152302499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently discovered the existence of the oxytocin/oxytocin receptor (OT/OTR) system in the heart. Activation of cardiac OTR stimulates the release of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), which is involved in regulation of blood pressure and cell growth. Having observed elevated OT levels in the fetal and newborn heart at a stage of intense cardiomyocyte hyperplasia, we hypothesized a role for OT in cardiomyocyte differentiation. We used mouse P19 embryonic stem cells to substantiate this potential role. P19 cells give rise to the formation of cell derivatives of all germ layers. Treatment of P19 cell aggregates with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) induces differentiation to cardiomyocytes. In this work, P19 cells were allowed to aggregate from day 0 to day 4 in the presence of 0.5% DMSO, 10(-7) M OT and/or 10(-7) M OT antagonist (OTA), and then cultured in the absence of these factors until day 14. OT alone stimulated the production of beating cell colonies in all 24 independently growing cultures by day 8 of the differentiation protocol, whereas the same result was obtained in cells induced by DMSO only after 12 days. Cells induced with OT exhibited increased ANP mRNA, had abundant mitochondria (i.e., they strongly absorbed rhodamine 123), and expressed sarcomeric myosin heavy chain and dihydropyridine receptor-alpha 1, confirming a cardiomyocyte phenotype. In addition, OT as well as DMSO increased OTR protein and OTR mRNA, and OTA completely inhibited the formation of cardiomyocytes in OT- and DMSO-supplemented cultures. These results suggest that the OT/OTR system plays an important role in cardiogenesis by promoting cardiomyocyte differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Paquin
- Laboratoire de Neuroendocrinologie Développementale, Département de Chimie et de Biochimie, Université du Québec, Montreal, QC, Canada H3C 3P8.
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Baj G, Arnulfo A, Deaglio S, Mallone R, Vigone A, De Cesaris MG, Surico N, Malavasi F, Ferrero E. Arsenic trioxide and breast cancer: analysis of the apoptotic, differentiative and immunomodulatory effects. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2002; 73:61-73. [PMID: 12083632 DOI: 10.1023/a:1015272401822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is used clinically to treat acute promyelocytic leukemia and has activity in vitro against several solid tumour cell lines, where induction of differentiation and apoptosis are the prime effects. To investigate the potential therapeutic application of As2O3 to breast cancer, we analysed the effects of As2O3 on the growth of four human breast cancer cell lines: MCF7, MDA-MB-231, T-47D and BT-20. Cells were cultured in 0.5, 2 and 5 microM AS2O3, a range of pharmacologically achievable concentrations of AS2O3. At > or = 2 microM, AS2O3 rapidly induced cell death by apoptosis in MCF7 and MDA-MB-231 while T-47D and BT-20 were partially resistant. At 0.5 microM, As2O3 was subapoptotic but induced features of differentiation consisting in upregulation of ICAM-1 (CD54), a marker of mammary epithelial differentiation, and cell cultures appeared morphologically more organized. Furthermore, we demonstrate by standard cytotoxicity assays that As2O3 treatment can augment breast cancer cell lysis by lymphokine-activated killer cells and demonstrate an important role of the ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction in this process. This additional activity of As2O3 could translate into improved antitumour immunosurveillance in vivo. In conclusion, As2O3 induced varying degrees of differentiation, apoptosis and lysis in these model cell lines, and may be a promising adjuvant to current treatments of breast cancer by virtue of its triple apoptotic, differentiative and immunomodulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germano Baj
- Laboratories of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Eastern Piedmont A. Avogadro, Novara, Italy
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Cassoni P, Marrocco T, Deaglio S, Sapino A, Bussolati G. Biological relevance of oxytocin and oxytocin receptors in cancer cells and primary tumors. Ann Oncol 2002; 12 Suppl 2:S37-9. [PMID: 11762350 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/12.suppl_2.s37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
For a long time, the hypothalamic nonapeptide oxytocin (OT) is known to play a crucial role in many reproductive and behavioral functions. In recent years, a new biological effect of OT has been identified in neoplastic pathology. In this context, OT acts as a growth regulator. through the activation of specific G-coupled transmembrane receptors (OTR). In vitro, an antiproliferative effect of OT was demonstrated in neoplastic cells of either epithelial (mammary and endometrial) or nervous or bone origin, all expressing OTR. Furthermore, the growth-inhibiting effect of OT was also tested and confirmed in mouse and rat mammary carcinomas in vivo. In neoplastic cells from another OT target tissue, trophoblast, the OT effect was to promote proliferation, the opposite of what previously observed in all the other neoplastic OT responsive cells. The signal transduction involved in the OT biological effect was different in OT growth-inhibited or growth-stimulated cells. In the former, the OT effect was mediated by the activation of the cAMP-PKA pathway, a non-conventional OT signaling, whereas in the latter by the increase of intracellular calcium and tyrosine phosphorylation, which are the 'classical' OT transducers. The unexpected role of OT (and OT analogues) in regulating cell proliferation, as well as the diffuse expression of OTR in neoplastic tissue of different origin, open new perspectives on the biological role of the OT-OTR system in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cassoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Turin, Italy.
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Chinol M, Nacca A, Bussolati G, Cassoni P, Paganelli G. [111In]-DOTA-Lys8-Vasotocin: A new promising peptide for oxytocin receptor expressing tumors. J Labelled Comp Radiopharm 2001. [DOI: 10.1002/jlcr.25804401240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Turton NJ, Judah DJ, Riley J, Davies R, Lipson D, Styles JA, Smith AG, Gant TW. Gene expression and amplification in breast carcinoma cells with intrinsic and acquired doxorubicin resistance. Oncogene 2001; 20:1300-6. [PMID: 11313874 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1204235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2000] [Revised: 12/22/2000] [Accepted: 01/05/2001] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotype is a major cause of cancer treatment failure. Here the expressions of 4224 genes were analysed for association with intrinsic or acquired doxorubicin (DOX) resistance. A cluster of overexpressed genes related to DOX resistance was observed. Included in this cluster was ABCB1 the P-glycoprotein transporter protein gene and MMP1 (Matrix Metalloproteinase 1), indicative of the invasive nature of resistant cells, and the oxytocin receptor (OXTR), a potential new therapeutic target. Overexpression of genes associated with xenobiotic transformation, cell transformation, cell signalling and lymphocyte activation was also associated with DOX resistance as was estrogen receptor negativity. In all carcinoma cells, compared with HBL100 a putatively normal breast epithelial cell line, a cluster of overexpressed genes was identified which included several keratins, in particular keratins 8 and 18 which are regulated through the ras signalling pathway. Analysis of genomic amplifications and deletions revealed specific genetic alterations common to both intrinsic and acquired DOX resistance including ABCB1, PGY3 (ABCB4) and BAK. The findings shown here indicate new possibilities for the diagnosis of DOX resistance using gene expression, and potential novel therapeutic targets for pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- N J Turton
- MRC Toxicology Unit, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 9HN UK
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Cassoni P, Sapino A, Munaron L, Deaglio S, Chini B, Graziani A, Ahmed A, Bussolati G. Activation of functional oxytocin receptors stimulates cell proliferation in human trophoblast and choriocarcinoma cell lines. Endocrinology 2001; 142:1130-6. [PMID: 11181528 DOI: 10.1210/endo.142.3.8047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Despite oxytocin receptors (OTR) being present in human chorio-decidual tissues, their expression and role in placental trophoblast cells in the context of tumor growth or physiological functions related to cell proliferation have never been examined. In the present study we demonstrate the presence and functionality of OTR in normal human trophoblast cell lines (ED77 and ED27) and a choriocarcinoma cell line (BeWo). RT-PCR and immunofluorescence analysis revealed the presence of OTR messenger RNA and protein in these cells. Binding studies using [(125)I]oxytocin ([(125)I]OT) antagonist confirmed the presence of specific binding sites in ED27, ED77, and BeWo cells. OTR functionality was demonstrated by measuring the OT-induced increase in the intracellular calcium concentrations. This effect was dose dependent and was blocked by the selective OT antagonist d(CH(2))(5)[Tyr(Me)(2),Thr(4), Tyr-NH(2)(9)]OVT (OT antagonist). Furthermore, two proteins with apparent molecular masses of 125 and 60 kDa became tyrosine phosphorylated in all of the cell lines after OT stimulation (and an additional protein of 45 kDa in BeWo choriocarcinoma cells), suggesting that this peptide can stimulate tyrosine kinase activity. Finally, we observed a dose-dependent OT stimulation of cell proliferation associated with OTR activation that was completely abolished by the selective OT antagonist. These findings provide the first evidence of the presence of functional OTR in normal trophoblast cell lines as well as in choriocarcinoma cells and show that a specific effect of OT on normal and neoplastic trophoblast is to promote cellular proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Cassoni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Oncology, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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