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Moll GN. Agonists of galanin subtype 2 receptor may prevent pancreatic cancer and agonists of angiotensin II type 2 receptor may prevent colorectal cancer. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176772. [PMID: 38925290 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a dreadful disease with poor prognosis. While the prognosis of colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is better than that of PDAC, it still is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Recently, a (methyl)lanthionine-stabilized, highly receptor-specific agonist of galanin subtype 2 (GAL2) receptor inhibited the growth of GAL2 receptor-expressing patient-derived xenografts (PDX) of pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, a lanthionine-constrained agonist of angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor inhibited PDX of colorectal cancer in mice. Stimulation of GAL2 receptor may modulate immune surveillance and inhibits PDAC via cell cycle inhibition and apoptosis. Consistent with GAL2 receptor-mediated tumor inhibition, for PDAC, survival is much higher for patients with high GAL2 receptor expression. Importantly, a (methyl)lanthionine-stabilized GAL2 receptor-specific agonist enhances expression of GAL2 receptor, not only in PDAC-PDX but also in healthy tissue indicating therapeutic and preventive potentials for GAL2 receptor agonists. AT2 receptor is interacting with four tumor suppressor proteins, Src homology phosphatase 1, Src homology phosphatase 2, Promyelocytic Leukemia Zinc Finger protein and Microtuble-Associated Scaffold Protein1, the latter also known as Angiotensin-II type 2 receptor-Interacting Protein. Pathways linked to these tumor suppressor proteins may enhance immune surveillance, prevent carcinogenesis, counter proliferation and stimulate apoptosis. Taken together, current data are prompting the hypothesis of a prophylactic treatment option with stable, specific and safe agonists of GAL2 receptor and AT2 receptor to prevent the emergence of pancreatic and colorectal cancer in individuals at risk.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Animals
- Colorectal Neoplasms/prevention & control
- Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism
- Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology
- Colorectal Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/agonists
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/metabolism
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/prevention & control
- Receptor, Galanin, Type 2/agonists
- Receptor, Galanin, Type 2/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/pathology
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/prevention & control
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Gert N Moll
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Nijenborg 7, 9747 AG, Groningen, Netherlands.
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2
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Sánchez ML, Coveñas R. The Galaninergic System: A Target for Cancer Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3755. [PMID: 35954419 PMCID: PMC9367524 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to show the involvement of the galaninergic system in neuroendocrine (phaeochromocytomas, insulinomas, neuroblastic tumors, pituitary tumors, small-cell lung cancer) and non-neuroendocrine (gastric cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, glioma) tumors. The galaninergic system is involved in tumorigenesis, invasion/migration of tumor cells and angiogenesis, and this system has been correlated with tumor size/stage/subtypes, metastasis and recurrence rate. In the galaninergic system, epigenetic mechanisms have been related with carcinogenesis and recurrence rate. Galanin (GAL) exerts both proliferative and antiproliferative actions in tumor cells. GAL receptors (GALRs) mediate different signal transduction pathways and actions, depending on the particular G protein involved and the tumor cell type. In general, the activation of GAL1R promoted an antiproliferative effect, whereas the activation of GAL2R induced antiproliferative or proliferative actions. GALRs could be used in certain tumors as therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers for treatment, prognosis and surgical outcome. The current data show the importance of the galaninergic system in the development of certain tumors and suggest future potential clinical antitumor applications using GAL agonists or antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Lisardo Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Neuroanatomía de los Sistema Peptidérgicos (Lab. 14), Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, c/Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Rafael Coveñas
- Laboratorio de Neuroanatomía de los Sistema Peptidérgicos (Lab. 14), Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, c/Pintor Fernando Gallego 1, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Grupo GIR USAL: BMD (Bases Moleculares del Desarrollo), University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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3
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Kozłowska A, Godlewski J, Majewski M. Distribution Patterns of Cocaine- and Amphetamine-Regulated Transcript- and/or Galanin-Containing Neurons and Nerve Fibers Located in the Human Stomach Wall Affected by Tumor. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113357. [PMID: 30373200 PMCID: PMC6275062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 10/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution patterns of cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript- (CART-) and galanin-immunoreactive (GAL-IR) neuronal structures in the human stomach wall, focusing on differences observed in regions directly affected by the cancer process, and those from the surgical margin. Samples from the stomach wall were collected from 10 patients (3 women and 7 men, the mean age 67.0 ± 11.9). Next, triple-immunofluorescence staining was used to visualize the changes in the frequency of neurons inside myenteric plexi and intramural fibers containing CART and/or GAL, as well as protein gene product 9.5 (as panneuronal marker). Tumor into the stomach wall caused a decrease in the number of CART-positive (+) nerve fibers in the longitudinal (LML) and circular muscle layers (CML). Notable changes in the dense network of CART+/GAL+ nerve fibers (an increase) were observed in the LML and lamina muscularis mucosae (LMM) within carcinoma-affected areas of the human stomach. Additionally, an elevated number of these nerve fibers from LMM were accompanied by an increase in the number of fibers containing GAL in the vicinity of the neoplastic proliferation. Obtained results suggest that a carcinoma invasion may affect the innervation pattern of the human stomach wall and their function(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kozłowska
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Warszawska Av 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Janusz Godlewski
- Department of Human Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Warszawska Av 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - Mariusz Majewski
- Department of Human Physiology, School of Medicine, Collegium Medicum, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Warszawska Av 30, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland.
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4
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The role of enteric neurons in the development and progression of colorectal cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2017; 1868:420-434. [PMID: 28847715 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2017.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is the intrinsic neural network of the gastrointestinal tract, which is essential for regulating gut functions and intestinal homeostasis. The importance of the ENS is underscored by the existence of severe gastrointestinal diseases, such as Hirschsprung's disease and intestinal pseudo-obstruction, which arise when the ENS fails to develop normally or becomes dysregulated. Moreover, it is known that enteric neurons are involved in intestinal inflammation. However, the role of the ENS in colorectal cancer (CRC) carcinogenesis remains poorly understood, even though processes like perineural invasion and neoneurogenesis are important factors in CRC. Here we summarize how enteric neurons are affected during CRC and discuss the influence of enteric neurons, either direct or indirect, on the development and/or progression of CRC. Finally, we illustrate how the ENS could be targeted as a potential anti-cancer therapy, establishing the ENS as an integral part of the tumor microenvironment.
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5
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Kanazawa T, Misawa K, Misawa Y, Uehara T, Fukushima H, Kusaka G, Maruta M, Carey TE. G-Protein-Coupled Receptors: Next Generation Therapeutic Targets in Head and Neck Cancer? Toxins (Basel) 2015; 7:2959-84. [PMID: 26251921 PMCID: PMC4549734 DOI: 10.3390/toxins7082959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic outcome in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is poor in most advanced cases. To improve therapeutic efficiency, novel therapeutic targets and prognostic factors must be discovered. Our studies have identified several G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as promising candidates. Significant epigenetic silencing of GPCR expression occurs in HNSCC compared with normal tissue, and is significantly correlated with clinical behavior. Together with the finding that GPCR activity can suppress tumor cell growth, this indicates that GPCR expression has potential utility as a prognostic factor. In this review, we discuss the roles that galanin receptor type 1 (GALR1) and type 2 (GALR2), tachykinin receptor type 1 (TACR1), and somatostatin receptor type 1 (SST1) play in HNSCC. GALR1 inhibits proliferation of HNSCC cells though ERK1/2-mediated effects on cell cycle control proteins such as p27, p57, and cyclin D1, whereas GALR2 inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in HNSCC cells. Hypermethylation of GALR1, GALR2, TACR1, and SST1 is associated with significantly reduced disease-free survival and a higher recurrence rate. Although their overall activities varies, each of these GPCRs has value as both a prognostic factor and a therapeutic target. These data indicate that further study of GPCRs is a promising strategy that will enrich pharmacogenomics and prognostic research in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeharu Kanazawa
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Japan.
- Laboratory of Head and Neck Center Biology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Kiyoshi Misawa
- Laboratory of Head and Neck Center Biology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-319, Japan.
| | - Yuki Misawa
- Laboratory of Head and Neck Center Biology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu 431-319, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Uehara
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara 903-0215, Japan.
| | - Hirofumi Fukushima
- Department of Head and Neck, Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan.
| | - Gen Kusaka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Saitama 330-8503, Japan.
| | - Mikiko Maruta
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Jichi Medical University, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Japan.
| | - Thomas E Carey
- Laboratory of Head and Neck Center Biology, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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6
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Kanazawa T, Misawa K, Carey TE. Galanin receptor subtypes 1 and 2 as therapeutic targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2010; 14:289-302. [PMID: 20148716 DOI: 10.1517/14728221003598922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD Despite advances in the therapeutic approaches for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) at some sites, no substantial improvement in treatment efficacy and survival has occurred over the past several decades. Recent application of molecular biology has focused on the importance of galanin and its receptors as potential therapeutic targets for HNSCC. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW Our aim is to examine galanin receptor 1 (GALR1) and galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) as HNSCC therapeutic targets and explore opportunities and strategies for making use of GALR1 and GALR2 signaling. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN This review provides recent data about galanin receptor signaling and function in various cell types, especially HNSCC. Signaling through GALR1 induces cell cycle arrest and suppresses proliferation in HNSCC. Similar to GALR1, GALR2 not only induces cell cycle arrest but also apoptosis, which was not observed with GALR1. TAKE HOME MESSAGES GALR1 and GALR2 act as tumor suppressors in HNSCC, in a p53-independent manner. The current data suggest that GALR1 and GALR2 are potentially significant therapeutic targets and prognostic factors in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeharu Kanazawa
- The University of Michigan, Laboratory of Head and Neck Cancer Biology, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0506, USA
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7
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Abstract
Many tumours of neuroendocrine origin, and also an increasing number of non-neuroendocrine cancers, have been shown to express neuropeptides and/or their corresponding receptors. These peptides and receptors represent the molecular basis for in vivo diagnostic or therapeutic targeting of cancer with radiolabelled or cytotoxic peptide analogues. Galanin is a classical neuropeptide that functions in diverse physiological processes such as food intake, nociception, and blood pressure regulation, and it can also act as a growth factor for neurons. Expression of galanin peptide has been detected in pheochromocytoma, pituitary adenoma, neuroblastic tumours, gastrointestinal cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, brain tumours, melanoma, breast cancer and embryonal carcinoma. In several cancers and tumour cell lines expression of galanin receptors--three are known (GalR1, 2 and 3)--has been shown as well. Expression of peptide or receptors has been correlated with tumour stage or subtypes of pituitary adenoma, neuroblastic tumours, colon carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Galanin treatment has tumour-reducing effects in murine models of gastrointestinal cancer, whereas in animal experiments on adenoma formation, galanin seems to act as a growth factor, promoting both proliferation and tumour formation. In cell culture experiments on tumour cell lines, galanin has shown growth promoting or inhibiting effects. Activation of GalR1 is generally anti-proliferative, whereas activation of GalR2 can have pro- or anti-proliferative effects. Therefore, galanin and its receptors are promising targets for diagnosis and treatment of several types of tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Rauch
- Department of Pediatrics, SALK and Paracelsus Medical University, Müllner Hauptstrasse 48, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
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8
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Hofseth LJ. Nitric oxide as a target of complementary and alternative medicines to prevent and treat inflammation and cancer. Cancer Lett 2008; 268:10-30. [PMID: 18440130 PMCID: PMC2680023 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2008] [Revised: 03/14/2008] [Accepted: 03/19/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) and associated reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are involved in many physiological functions. There has been an ongoing debate to whether RNS can inhibit or perpetuate chronic inflammation and associated carcinogenesis. Although the final outcome depends on the genetic make-up of its target, the surrounding microenvironment, the activity and localization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) isoforms, and overall levels of NO/RNS, evidence is accumulating that in general, RNS drive inflammation and cancers associated with inflammation. To this end, many complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) that work in chemoprevention associated with chronic inflammation, are inhibitors of excessive NO observed in inflammatory conditions. Here, we review recent literature outlining a role of NO/RNS in chronic inflammation and cancer, and point toward NO as one of several targets for the success of CAMs in treating chronic inflammation and cancer associated with this inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorne J Hofseth
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 770 Sumter Street, Coker Life Sciences, Room 513C, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
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9
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Victor BC, Sloane BF. Cysteine cathepsin non-inhibitory binding partners: modulating intracellular trafficking and function. Biol Chem 2008; 388:1131-40. [PMID: 17976005 DOI: 10.1515/bc.2007.150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Cysteine cathepsins play a fundamental role in tumor growth, invasion and migration, angiogenesis, and the metastatic cascade. Evidence of their overexpression in a wide array of human tumors has been well documented. Cysteine cathepsins seem to have a characteristic location-function relationship that leads to non-traditional roles such as those in development and pathology. For example, during tumor development, some cysteine cathepsins are found not just within lysosomes, but are also redistributed into presumptive exocytic vesicles at the cell periphery, resulting in their secretion. This altered localization contributes to non-lysosomal functions that have been linked to malignant progression. Mechanisms for altered localization are not well understood, but do include the interaction of cysteine cathepsins with binding partners that modulate intracellular trafficking and association with specific regions on the cell surface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadette C Victor
- Department of Pharmacology and Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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10
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Berger A, Santic R, Hauser-Kronberger C, Schilling FH, Kogner P, Ratschek M, Gamper A, Jones N, Sperl W, Kofler B. Galanin and galanin receptors in human cancers. Neuropeptides 2005; 39:353-9. [PMID: 15944034 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2004.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2004] [Accepted: 12/08/2004] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The increasing interest in peptides and peptide receptors in cancer is based on the possibility of receptor targeting, because peptide receptors are often expressed in different human tumors. The neuropeptide galanin has also been suggested to be involved in the development of neuroendocrine tumors based on the development of estrogen-induced tumors in estrogen-sensitive rats. This study summarizes our current knowledge on the expression of galanin peptide and galanin receptors in different human neuroendocrine tumors. The expression of both, peptide and corresponding receptor, seems to be a common feature of human gliomas, pheochromocytomas, pituitary and neuroblastic tumors. The co-expression of galanin and its receptors supports a role for galanin in tumor cell pathology via autocrine/paracrine mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Berger
- Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Private Medical University, Salzburg, Muellner-Hauptstrasse 48, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria
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11
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Cavallo-Medved D, Sloane BF. Cell-surface cathepsin B: understanding its functional significance. Curr Top Dev Biol 2003; 54:313-41. [PMID: 12696754 DOI: 10.1016/s0070-2153(03)54013-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dora Cavallo-Medved
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University, School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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Naylor MJ, Ginsburg E, Iismaa TP, Vonderhaar BK, Wynick D, Ormandy CJ. The neuropeptide galanin augments lobuloalveolar development. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:29145-52. [PMID: 12759342 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m303746200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammary lobuloalveolar development during pregnancy is controlled by ovarian sex steroids and pituitary prolactin release. In organ culture these hormones are incapable of reproducing the density and size of lobuloalveoli seen in mice, suggesting the existence of other undiscovered factors. We showed previously that galanin knockout mice fail to lactate sufficiently for pup survival following their first pregnancy. Here we demonstrate that prolactin treatment of galanin knockout mice allows pup survival but does not completely rescue lobuloalveolar development or reduced milk protein expression. When galanin was used in combination with prolactin in mammary organ culture, larger and more numerous lobules were produced than with prolactin alone. Galanin alone produced sustained activation of STAT5a and the induction of milk protein expression but did not induce lobulogenesis. Examination of the transcriptional interaction between galanin and prolactin using oligonucleotide microarrays demonstrated synergistic and antagonistic modes of interaction between these hormones. These data establish a new role for galanin as a hormone augmenting mammary development during pregnancy in concert with prolactin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Naylor
- Development Group, Cancer Research Program and Neurobiology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2010, Australia
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El-Salhy M, Sitohy B, Norrgård O. Triple therapy with octreotide, galanin, and serotonin reduces the size and blood vessel density and increases apoptosis of a rat colon carcinoma. REGULATORY PEPTIDES 2003; 111:145-52. [PMID: 12609762 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-0115(02)00280-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
A rat colonic adenocarcinoma was implanted subcutaneously in female nude (C57BL/6JBom-nu) mice. After 7 days, the animals were divided into different groups. One group received triple therapy with octreotide, galanin, and serotonin, 10 microg/kg body weight of each, twice daily. The second group served as controls and received only saline solution. Three groups received 10 microg/kg body weight twice daily of octreotide, galanin, or serotonin. The last group consisted of controls that received only saline solution. The treatment lasted for 5 days. The tumour volume, wet weight, and relative volume density of blood vessels were significantly decreased after the triple treatment, as compared to controls. Apoptotic index was significantly increased, but the proliferation index was not affected in the group of mice that received triple therapy. There was no significant difference between controls and mice treated with octreotide, galanin, or serotonin regarding tumour volume or weight. The relative volume density of blood vessels was decreased in tumours treated with galanin, but not with octreotide or serotonin. There was no statistical difference in the proliferation index between controls and animals treated with octreotide, galanin, or serotonin, as compared with controls. Tumour necrosis and increased apoptosis may be responsible for the reduction in the volume and weight of the tumour after triple therapy. Tumour necrosis may be caused by the induction of tumour ischemia due to a reduction in tumour blood flow, which is caused by decreased incidence of tumour-feeding blood vessels, and by constriction of tumour-feeding arterioles. These results are promising and may offer treatment for colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdy El-Salhy
- Section for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, S-901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
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14
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Leung B, Iisma TP, Leung KC, Hort YJ, Turner J, Sheehy JP, Ho KKY, Lismaa TP. Galanin in human pituitary adenomas: frequency and clinical significance. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2002; 56:397-403. [PMID: 11940053 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.2002.01486.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Galanin (GAL) is a neuropeptide widely expressed in the central and peripheral nervous system and in neuroendocrine tissue, including the adenohypophysis where, in humans, it is expressed in corticotrophs and in ACTH-producing adenomas. Previous analyses of human tissue have used antiserum against porcine GAL for detection of GAL immunoreactivity (GAL-IR) and no pathophysiological correlates have been reported. Given significant differences between the sequence of porcine and human GAL peptides, the aim of this study was to use antiserum raised against synthetic human GAL to investigate GAL-IR in non tumorous pituitaries and in pituitary adenomas, and to correlate GAL-IR with the clinical and hormonal characteristics of patients with Cushing's disease. PATIENTS Six nontumorous pituitaries were obtained from autopsy and 151 pituitary adenomas, comprising 62 functioning (16 corticotroph, 26 somatotroph, 19 lactotroph and one thyrotroph) and 89 nonfunctioning adenomas, were obtained by surgery. RESULTS All non tumorous pituitary glands showed GAL-IR in corticotrophs, in basophil cells within the neurohypophysis and in nerve fibres of the neurohypophysis. GAL-IR was found in a subset (10 of 16) of patients with ACTH-secreting tumours causing Cushing's syndrome. GAL-IR was rarely expressed in somatotroph adenomas and prolactinomas, but was expressed in approximately one-third of nonfunctioning tumours. GAL-IR was found in almost 90% of nonfunctioning tumours that were positive for ACTH. There were no significant differences in sex ratio, age at presentation or 24-h urinary free cortisol secretion in the subset of patients with Cushing's disease positive (n = 10) or negative (n = 6) for GAL-IR. However, Cushing's patients positive for GAL-IR tended to have smaller tumours and achieved a higher cure rate than those without (100 vs. 50%, P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS Galanin is present in normal and tumorous human pituitaries. In addition, GAL colocalizes exclusively in corticotrophs of normal pituitaries and is coexpressed almost exclusively in corticotrophs from functioning and nonfunctioning tumours. The finding that corticotroph adenomas can function irrespective of the presence of GAL suggests that GAL may not play a pathophysiological role in Cushing's disease. However, the better surgical outcome observed in patients with Cushing's disease who had tumours positive for GAL-IR suggests that the expression of GAL confers a less aggressive tumour phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Leung
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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15
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Abstract
The development of a strain of galanin knockout mice has provided confirmation of a neuroendocrine role for galanin, as well as supporting results of previous physiological investigations indicating a role for galanin in analgesia and neuropathic pain, and potentially in neuronal growth and regeneration processes. Whether elevation of galanin expression in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease represents a survival response or exacerbates functional deficit in afflicted individuals remains to be determined. More detailed analysis of the phenotype of the galanin knockout mouse should provide insights into the physiological role of galanin in memory and learning processes, as well as in hypothalamic function and other aspects of neuroendocrine regulation. Biochemical and molecular cloning efforts have demonstrated that the multiplicity of actions of galanin is matched by complexity in the distribution and regulation of galanin and its receptors. A focus on characterisation of galanin receptors has resulted in the molecular cloning of three receptor subtypes to date. The distribution and functional properties of these receptors have not yet been fully elucidated, currently precluding assignment of discrete functions of galanin to any one receptor subtype. It is not currently possible to reconcile available pharmacological data using analogs of galanin and chimeric peptides in functional assay systems with the pharmacological properties of cloned receptor subtypes. This highlights the value of further knockout approaches targeting galanin receptor subtypes, but also raises the possibility of the existence of additional receptor subtypes that have yet to be cloned, or that receptor activity may be modulated by regulatory molecules that remain to be identified. The development of receptor subtype-specific compounds remains a high priority to advance work in this area. The ability to selectively modulate the many different actions of galanin, through a clearer understanding of receptor structure-function relationships and neuronal distribution, promises to provide important insights into the molecular and cellular basis of galanin action in normal physiology, and may provide lead compounds with therapeutic application in the prevention and treatment of a range of disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- T P Iismaa
- Neurobiology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Iishi H, Tatsuta M, Baba M, Yano H, Iseki K, Uehara H, Nakaizumi A. Inhibition by galanin of experimental carcinogenesis induced by azaserine in rat pancreas. Int J Cancer 1998; 75:396-9. [PMID: 9455800 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1097-0215(19980130)75:3<396::aid-ijc12>3.0.co;2-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The effects of galanin on pancreatic carcinogenesis induced by azaserine and on the norepinephrine concentration in the pancreas were investigated in male Wistar rats. Rats were given weekly injections of 10 mg/kg body weight of azaserine for 25 weeks and 8 microg/kg body weight of galanin in depot form every other day for 62 weeks. Azaserine-induced pancreatic lesions were examined with hematoxylin and eosin and histochemical techniques. In week 62, quantitative histological examination showed that prolonged administration of galanin significantly reduced the number and size (as percent of parenchyma) of adenosine triphosphatase-positive pancreatic lesions, which are correlated closely with the ultimate development of pancreatic cancer. The number of pancreatic adenocarcinomas in rats treated with galanin was significantly less than in controls. Galanin also significantly decreased the bromodeoxyuridine-labeling index of azaserine-induced pancreatic lesions and the norepinephrine concentration in the pancreas. Our findings indicate that galanin inhibits pancreatic carcinogenesis and that such inhibition may be related to the suppression of sympathetic nervous system activity and subsequently to the inhibition of cell proliferation in neoplastic lesions of the pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Iishi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Osaka Medical Center for Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases, Japan
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