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Gómez-Olivares JL, López-Durán RM, Enríquez-Flores S, López-Velázquez G, De La Mora-De La Mora I, García-Torres I, Viedma-Rodríguez R, Valencia-Quintana R, Milić M, Flores-López LA. Preliminary exploration of the expression of acetylcholinesterase in normal human T lymphocytes and leukemic Jurkat T cells. Biomed Rep 2024; 21:158. [PMID: 39268406 PMCID: PMC11391169 DOI: 10.3892/br.2024.1846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The classic enzymatic function of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is the hydrolysis of acetylcholine (ACh) in the neuronal synapse. However, AChE is also present in nonneuronal cells such as lymphocytes. Various studies have proposed the participation of AChE in the development of cancer. The ACHE gene produces three mRNAs (T, H and R). AChE-T encodes amphiphilic monomers, dimers, tetramers (G1 A, G2 A and G4 A) and hydrophilic tetramers (G4 H). AChE-H encodes amphiphilic monomers and dimers (G1 A and G2 A). AChE-R encodes a hydrophilic monomer (G1 H). The present study considered the differences in the mRNA expression (T, H and R) and protein levels of AChE, as well as the molecular forms of AChE, the glycosylation pattern and the enzymatic activity of AChE present in normal T lymphocytes and leukemic Jurkat E6-1 cells. The results revealed that AChE enzymatic activity was higher in normal T lymphocytes than in Jurkat cells. Normal T cells expressed AChE-H transcripts, whereas Jurkat cells expressed AChE-H and AChE-T. The molecular forms identified in normal T cells were G2 A (5.2 S) and G1 A (3.5 S), whereas those in Jurkat cells were G2 A (5.2 S), G1 A (3.5 S) and G4 H (10.6S). AChE in Jurkat cells showed altered posttranslational maturation since a decrease in the incorporation of galactose and sialic acid into its structure was observed. In conclusion, the content and composition of AChE were altered in Jurkat cells compared with those in normal T lymphocytes. The present study opened new avenues for exploring the development of novel therapeutic strategies against T-cell leukemia and for identifying potential molecular targets for the early detection of this type of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Gómez-Olivares
- Biomembranes Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City 09310, Mexico
| | - Rosa María López-Durán
- Biomembranes Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Metropolitan Autonomous University-Iztapalapa Campus, Mexico City 09310, Mexico
| | - Sergio Enríquez-Flores
- Biomolecules and Infant Health Laboratory, National Institute of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Gabriel López-Velázquez
- Biomolecules and Infant Health Laboratory, National Institute of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Ignacio De La Mora-De La Mora
- Biomolecules and Infant Health Laboratory, National Institute of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Itzhel García-Torres
- Biomolecules and Infant Health Laboratory, National Institute of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
| | - Rubí Viedma-Rodríguez
- Morphophysiology Unit, Faculty of Higher Studies-Iztacala, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
| | - Rafael Valencia-Quintana
- Rafael Villalobos-Pietrini Laboratory of Genomic Toxicology and Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Agrobiology, Autonomous University of Tlaxcala, Tlaxcala 90120, Mexico
| | - Mirta Milić
- Mutagenesis Unit, Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Luis Antonio Flores-López
- Biomolecules and Infant Health Laboratory, CONAHCYT-National Institute of Pediatrics, Ministry of Health, Mexico City 04530, Mexico
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Sousa SM, Branco H, Avan A, Palmeira A, Morelli L, Santos LL, Giovannetti E, Vasconcelos MH, Xavier CPR. Darifenacin: a promising chitinase 3-like 1 inhibitor to tackle drug resistance in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2024; 94:585-597. [PMID: 39225813 PMCID: PMC11438711 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-024-04712-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/25/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the most aggressive malignancies. Our previous work revealed Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) involvement in PDAC resistance to gemcitabine, identifying it as a promising therapeutic target. Here, we aimed to identify putative CHI3L1 inhibitors and to investigate their chemosensitizing potential in PDAC. METHODS Docking analysis for CHI3L1 identified promising CHI3L1 inhibitors, including darifenacin (muscarinic receptor antagonist). PDAC cell lines (BxPC-3, PANC-1) and primary PDAC cells were used to evaluate darifenacin's effects on cell growth (Sulforhodamine B, SRB), alone or in combination with gemcitabine or gemcitabine plus paclitaxel. Cytotoxicity against normal immortalized pancreatic ductal cells (HPNE) was assessed. Recombinant protein was used to confirm the impact of darifenacin on CHI3L1-induced PDAC cellular resistance to therapy (SRB assay). Darifenacin's effect on Akt activation was analysed by ELISA. The association between cholinergic receptor muscarinic 3 (CHRM3) expression and therapeutic response was evaluated by immunohistochemistry of paraffin-embedded tissues from surgical resections of a 68 patients' cohort. RESULTS In silico screening revealed the ability of darifenacin to target CHI3L1 with high efficiency. Darifenacin inhibited PDAC cell growth, with a GI50 of 26 and 13.6 µM in BxPC-3 and PANC-1 cells, respectively. These results were confirmed in primary PDAC-3 cells, while darifenacin showed no cytotoxicity against HPNE cells. Importantly, darifenacin sensitized PDAC cells to standard chemotherapies, reverted CHI3L1-induced PDAC cellular resistance to therapy, and decreased Akt phosphorylation. Additionally, high CHMR3 expression was associated with low therapeutic response to gemcitabine. CONCLUSION This work highlights the potential of darifenacin as a chemosensitizer for PDAC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M Sousa
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- LQOF - Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
| | - Helena Branco
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, 91886-17871, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Andreia Palmeira
- LQOF - Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal
- CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Matosinhos, 4450-208, Portugal
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, 56100, Italy
| | - Lúcio L Santos
- Experimental Pathology and Therapeutics Research Group and Surgical Oncology Department, IPO-Instituto Português de Oncologia, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida 865, Porto, 4200-072, Portugal
- ICBAS-UP-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050- 313, Portugal
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, HV Amsterdam, 1081, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, San Giuliano, 56017, Italy
| | - M Helena Vasconcelos
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal.
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal.
- Department of Biological Sciences, FFUP - Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, Porto, 4050-313, Portugal.
| | - Cristina P R Xavier
- i3S - Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal.
- Cancer Drug Resistance Group, IPATIMUP - Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, Porto, 4200-135, Portugal.
- UCIBIO - Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Toxicologic Pathology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), Gandra, 4585-116, Portugal.
- Associate Laboratory i4HB - Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences - CESPU, Gandra, 4585-116, Portugal.
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Mandal SK, Yadav P, Sheth RA. The Neuroimmune Axis and Its Therapeutic Potential for Primary Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6237. [PMID: 38892423 PMCID: PMC11172507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system plays an integral role in motion and sensation as well as the physiologic function of visceral organs. The nervous system additionally plays a key role in primary liver diseases. Until recently, however, the impact of nerves on cancer development, progression, and metastasis has been unappreciated. This review highlights recent advances in understanding neuroanatomical networks within solid organs and their mechanistic influence on organ function, specifically in the liver and liver cancer. We discuss the interaction between the autonomic nervous system, including sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves, and the liver. We also examine how sympathetic innervation affects metabolic functions and diseases like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We also delve into the neurobiology of the liver, the interplay between cancer and nerves, and the neural regulation of the immune response. We emphasize the influence of the neuroimmune axis in cancer progression and the potential of targeted interventions like neurolysis to improve cancer treatment outcomes, especially for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rahul A. Sheth
- Department of Interventional Radiology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Unit 1471, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA; (S.K.M.); (P.Y.)
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Sampaio Moura N, Schledwitz A, Alizadeh M, Kodan A, Njei LP, Raufman JP. Cholinergic Mechanisms in Gastrointestinal Neoplasia. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5316. [PMID: 38791353 PMCID: PMC11120676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105316] [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: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine-activated receptors are divided broadly into two major structurally distinct classes: ligand-gated ion channel nicotinic and G-protein-coupled muscarinic receptors. Each class encompasses several structurally related receptor subtypes with distinct patterns of tissue expression and post-receptor signal transduction mechanisms. The activation of both nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptors has been associated with the induction and progression of gastrointestinal neoplasia. Herein, after briefly reviewing the classification of acetylcholine-activated receptors and the role that nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic signaling plays in normal digestive function, we consider the mechanics of acetylcholine synthesis and release by neuronal and non-neuronal cells in the gastrointestinal microenvironment, and current methodology and challenges in measuring serum and tissue acetylcholine levels accurately. Then, we critically evaluate the evidence that constitutive and ligand-induced activation of acetylcholine-activated receptors plays a role in promoting gastrointestinal neoplasia. We focus primarily on adenocarcinomas of the stomach, pancreas, and colon, because these cancers are particularly common worldwide and, when diagnosed at an advanced stage, are associated with very high rates of morbidity and mortality. Throughout this comprehensive review, we concentrate on identifying novel ways to leverage these observations for prognostic and therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Sampaio Moura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (N.S.M.); (A.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Alyssa Schledwitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (N.S.M.); (A.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Madeline Alizadeh
- The Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Asha Kodan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (N.S.M.); (A.S.); (A.K.)
| | - Lea-Pearl Njei
- Department of Biological Science, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Baltimore, MD 21250, USA;
| | - Jean-Pierre Raufman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (N.S.M.); (A.S.); (A.K.)
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland Medical Center, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Al Khashali H, Ray R, Darweesh B, Wozniak C, Haddad B, Goel S, Seidu I, Khalil J, Lopo B, Murshed N, Guthrie J, Heyl D, Evans HG. Amyloid Beta Leads to Decreased Acetylcholine Levels and Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Survival via a Mechanism That Involves p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Protein Kinase C in a p53-Dependent and -Independent Manner. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5033. [PMID: 38732252 PMCID: PMC11084752 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25095033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown an inverse correlation between the likelihood of developing a neurodegenerative disorder and cancer. We previously reported that the levels of amyloid beta (Aβ), at the center of Alzheimer's disease pathophysiology, are regulated by acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we examined the effect of Aβ or its fragments on the levels of ACh in A549 (p53 wild-type) and H1299 (p53-null) NSCLC cell media. ACh levels were reduced by cell treatment with Aβ 1-42, Aβ 1-40, Aβ 1-28, and Aβ 25-35. AChE and p53 activities increased upon A549 cell treatment with Aβ, while knockdown of p53 in A549 cells increased ACh levels, decreased AChE activity, and diminished the Aβ effects. Aβ increased the ratio of phospho/total p38 MAPK and decreased the activity of PKC. Inhibiting p38 MAPK reduced the activity of p53 in A549 cells and increased ACh levels in the media of both cell lines, while opposite effects were found upon inhibiting PKC. ACh decreased the activity of p53 in A549 cells, decreased p38 MAPK activity, increased PKC activity, and diminished the effect of Aβ on those activities. Moreover, the negative effect of Aβ on cell viability was diminished by cell co-treatment with ACh.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Hedeel Guy Evans
- Chemistry Department, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI 48197, USA; (H.A.K.); (R.R.); (B.D.); (C.W.); (B.H.); (S.G.); (I.S.); (J.K.); (B.L.); (N.M.); (J.G.); (D.H.)
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Kawashima K, Mashimo M, Nomura A, Fujii T. Contributions of Non-Neuronal Cholinergic Systems to the Regulation of Immune Cell Function, Highlighting the Role of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4564. [PMID: 38674149 PMCID: PMC11050324 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Loewi's discovery of acetylcholine (ACh) release from the frog vagus nerve and the discovery by Dale and Dudley of ACh in ox spleen led to the demonstration of chemical transmission of nerve impulses. ACh is now well-known to function as a neurotransmitter. However, advances in the techniques for ACh detection have led to its discovery in many lifeforms lacking a nervous system, including eubacteria, archaea, fungi, and plants. Notably, mRNAs encoding choline acetyltransferase and muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs) have been found in uninnervated mammalian cells, including immune cells, keratinocytes, vascular endothelial cells, cardiac myocytes, respiratory, and digestive epithelial cells. It thus appears that non-neuronal cholinergic systems are expressed in a variety of mammalian cells, and that ACh should now be recognized not only as a neurotransmitter, but also as a local regulator of non-neuronal cholinergic systems. Here, we discuss the role of non-neuronal cholinergic systems, with a focus on immune cells. A current focus of much research on non-neuronal cholinergic systems in immune cells is α7 nAChRs, as these receptors expressed on macrophages and T cells are involved in regulating inflammatory and immune responses. This makes α7 nAChRs an attractive potential therapeutic target.
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Grants
- 19-31: TF; 20-25: TF. Individual Research Grants from the Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts
- 24590120, K.K., T.F., K.H.; 22K06638, T.F., A.N., 15K18871, M.M.; 15K07979, T.F., 15K07969-m, K.K.; 18K06903, T.F. The Ministry of Education, Science, Sports and Culture of Japan
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Masato Mashimo
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe 610-0395, Japan; (M.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Atsuo Nomura
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe 610-0395, Japan; (M.M.); (A.N.)
| | - Takeshi Fujii
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Doshisha Women’s College of Liberal Arts, Kyotanabe 610-0395, Japan; (M.M.); (A.N.)
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Fu Y, Shen K, Wang H, Wang S, Wang X, Zhu L, Zheng Y, Zou T, Ci H, Dong Q, Qin LX. Alpha5 nicotine acetylcholine receptor subunit promotes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:63. [PMID: 38453934 PMCID: PMC10920868 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01761-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurotransmitter-initiated signaling pathway were reported to play an important role in regulating the malignant phenotype of tumor cells. Cancer cells could exhibit a "neural addiction" property and build up local nerve networks to achieve an enhanced neurotransmitter-initiated signaling through nerve growth factor-mediated axonogenesis. Targeting the dysregulated nervous systems might represent a novel strategy for cancer treatment. However, whether intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) could build its own nerve networks and the role of neurotransmitters in the progression ICC remains largely unknown. Immunofluorescence staining and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay suggested that ICC cells and the infiltrated nerves could generate a tumor microenvironment rich in acetylcholine that promotes ICC metastasis by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Acetylcholine promoted ICC metastasis through interacting with its receptor, alpha 5 nicotine acetylcholine receptor subunits (CHRNA5). Furthermore, acetylcholine/CHRNA5 axis activated GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway partially through the influx of Ca2+-mediated activation of Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CAMKII). In addition, acetylcholine signaling activation also expanded nerve infiltration through increasing the expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which formed a feedforward acetylcholine-BDNF axis to promote ICC progression. KN93, a small-molecule inhibitor of CAMKII, significantly inhibited the migration and enhanced the sensitivity to gemcitabine of ICC cells. Above all, Acetylcholine/CHRNA5 axis increased the expression of β-catenin to promote the metastasis and resistance to gemcitabine of ICC via CAMKII/GSK3β signaling, and the CAMKII inhibitor KN93 may be an effective therapeutic strategy for combating ICC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Fu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
- Center of Interventional Radiology and Vascular Surgery, Department of Radiology, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, 87 Dingjiaqiao Road, 210009, Nanjing, China
| | - Keyu Shen
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Shun Wang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Xufeng Wang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Zhu
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Tiantian Zou
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongfei Ci
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiongzhu Dong
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China.
- Key Laboratory of Whole-period Monitoring and Precise Intervention of Digestive Cancer, Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Lun-Xiu Qin
- Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital & Cancer Metastasis Institute, Fudan University, 200040, Shanghai, China.
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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Muñoz JP, Calaf GM. Acetylcholine, Another Factor in Breast Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1418. [PMID: 37998017 PMCID: PMC10669196 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is a neurotransmitter that regulates multiple functions in the nervous system, and emerging evidence indicates that it could play a role in cancer progression. However, this function is controversial. Previously, we showed that organophosphorus pesticides decreased the levels of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in vivo, increasing ACh serum levels and the formation of tumors in the mammary glands of rats. Furthermore, we showed that ACh exposure in breast cancer cell lines induced overexpression of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), a key protein described as the master regulator in breast cancer. Therefore, here, we hypothesize that ACh alters the ERα activity through a ligand-independent mechanism. The results here reveal that the physiological concentration of ACh leads to the release of Ca+2 and the activity of MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt pathways. These changes are associated with an induction of p-ERα and its recruitment to the nucleus. However, ACh fails to induce overexpression of estrogen-responsive genes, suggesting a different activation mechanism than that of 17ß-estradiol. Finally, ACh promotes the viability of breast cancer cell lines in an ERα-dependent manner and induces the overexpression of some EMT markers. In summary, our results show that ACh promotes breast cancer cell proliferation and ERα activity, possibly in a ligand-independent manner, suggesting its putative role in breast cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan P. Muñoz
- Laboratorio de Bioquímica, Departamento de Química, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000007, Chile;
| | - Gloria M. Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile
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Ni B, Yin Y, Li Z, Wang J, Wang X, Wang K. Crosstalk Between Peripheral Innervation and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:1717-1731. [PMID: 37347365 PMCID: PMC10603023 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01082-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive lethal malignancy, characterized by late diagnosis, aggressive growth, and therapy resistance, leading to a poor overall prognosis. Emerging evidence shows that the peripheral nerve is an important non-tumor component in the tumor microenvironment that regulates tumor growth and immune escape. The crosstalk between the neuronal system and PDAC has become a hot research topic that may provide novel mechanisms underlying tumor progression and further uncover promising therapeutic targets. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms of perineural invasion and the role of various types of tumor innervation in the progression of PDAC, summarize the potential signaling pathways modulating the neuronal-cancer interaction, and discuss the current and future therapeutic possibilities for this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ni
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yiqing Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Zekun Li
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Junjin Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiuchao Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
| | - Kaiyuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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10
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Kuol N, Godlewski J, Kmiec Z, Vogrin S, Fraser S, Apostolopoulos V, Nurgali K. Cholinergic signaling influences the expression of immune checkpoint inhibitors, PD-L1 and PD-L2, and tumor hallmarks in human colorectal cancer tissues and cell lines. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:971. [PMID: 37828429 PMCID: PMC10568879 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11410-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer cells express immunosuppressive molecules, such as programmed death ligands (PD-L)1 and PD-L2, enabling evasion from the host's immune system. Cancer cells synthesize and secrete acetylcholine (ACh), acting as an autocrine or paracrine hormone to promote their proliferation, differentiation, and migration. METHODS We correlated the expression of PD-L1, PD-L2, cholinergic muscarinic receptor 3 (M3R), alpha 7 nicotinic receptor (α7nAChR), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in colorectal cancer (CRC) tissues with the stage of disease, gender, age, risk, and patient survival. The effects of a muscarinic receptor blocker, atropine, and a selective M3R blocker, 4-DAMP, on the expression of immunosuppressive and cholinergic markers were evaluated in human CRC (LIM-2405, HT-29) cells. RESULTS Increased expression of PD-L1, M3R, and ChAT at stages III-IV was associated with a high risk of CRC and poor survival outcomes independent of patients' gender and age. α7nAChR and PD-L2 were not changed at any CRC stages. Atropine and 4-DAMP suppressed the proliferation and migration of human CRC cells, induced apoptosis, and decreased PD-L1, PD-L2, and M3R expression in CRC cells via inhibition of EGFR and phosphorylation of ERK. CONCLUSIONS The expression of immunosuppressive and cholinergic markers may increase the risk of recurrence of CRC. These markers might be used in determining prognosis and treatment regimens for CRC patients. Blocking cholinergic signaling may be a potential therapeutic for CRC through anti-proliferation and anti-migration via inhibition of EGFR and phosphorylation of ERK. These effects allow the immune system to recognize and eliminate cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyanbol Kuol
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia.
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, USA.
| | | | - Zbigniew Kmiec
- Department of Histology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Sara Vogrin
- Department of Medicine Western Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine Western Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Melbourne, Australia
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11
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Pérez-Aguilar B, Marquardt JU, Muñoz-Delgado E, López-Durán RM, Gutiérrez-Ruiz MC, Gomez-Quiroz LE, Gómez-Olivares JL. Changes in the Acetylcholinesterase Enzymatic Activity in Tumor Development and Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4629. [PMID: 37760598 PMCID: PMC10526250 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase is a well-known protein because of the relevance of its enzymatic activity in the hydrolysis of acetylcholine in nerve transmission. In addition to the catalytic action, it exerts non-catalytic functions; one is associated with apoptosis, in which acetylcholinesterase could significantly impact the survival and aggressiveness observed in cancer. The participation of AChE as part of the apoptosome could explain the role in tumors, since a lower AChE content would increase cell survival due to poor apoptosome assembly. Likewise, the high Ach content caused by the reduction in enzymatic activity could induce cell survival mediated by the overactivation of acetylcholine receptors (AChR) that activate anti-apoptotic pathways. On the other hand, in tumors in which high enzymatic activity has been observed, AChE could be playing a different role in the aggressiveness of cancer; in this review, we propose that AChE could have a pro-inflammatory role, since the high enzyme content would cause a decrease in ACh, which has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, as discussed in this review. In this review, we analyze the changes that the enzyme could display in different tumors and consider the different levels of regulation that the acetylcholinesterase undergoes in the control of epigenetic changes in the mRNA expression and changes in the enzymatic activity and its molecular forms. We focused on explaining the relationship between acetylcholinesterase expression and its activity in the biology of various tumors. We present up-to-date knowledge regarding this fascinating enzyme that is positioned as a remarkable target for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamín Pérez-Aguilar
- Area de Medicina Experimental y Traslacional, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Mexico City 09310, Mexico; (B.P.-A.); (M.C.G.-R.)
- Department of Medicine I, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
| | - Jens U. Marquardt
- Department of Medicine I, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
| | | | - Rosa María López-Durán
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Mexico City 09310, Mexico;
| | - María Concepción Gutiérrez-Ruiz
- Area de Medicina Experimental y Traslacional, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Mexico City 09310, Mexico; (B.P.-A.); (M.C.G.-R.)
| | - Luis E. Gomez-Quiroz
- Area de Medicina Experimental y Traslacional, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Mexico City 09310, Mexico; (B.P.-A.); (M.C.G.-R.)
| | - José Luis Gómez-Olivares
- Laboratorio de Biomembranas, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Iztapalapa, Mexico City 09310, Mexico;
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12
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Li YT, Yuan WZ, Jin WL. Vagus innervation in the gastrointestinal tumor: Current understanding and challenges. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188884. [PMID: 36990250 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The vagus nerve (VN) is the main parasympathetic nerve of the autonomic nervous system. It is widely distributed in the gastrointestinal tract and maintains gastrointestinal homeostasis with the sympathetic nerve under physiological conditions. The VN communicates with various components of the tumor microenvironment to positively and dynamically affect the progression of gastrointestinal tumors (GITs). The intervention in vagus innervation delays GIT progression. Developments in adeno-associated virus vectors, nanotechnology, and in vivo neurobiological techniques have enabled the creation of precisely regulated "tumor neurotherapies". Furthermore, the combination of neurobiological techniques and single cell sequencing may reveal more insights into VN and GIT. The present review aimed to summarize the mechanisms of communication between the VN and the gastrointestinal TME and to explore the potential and challenges of VN-based tumor neurotherapy in GITs.
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13
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Kanlı Z, Cabadak H, Aydın B. Potential antiproliferative and apoptotic effects of pilocarpine combined with TNF alpha in chronic myeloid leukemia cells. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023:10.1007/s00210-023-02418-4. [PMID: 36781441 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Pilocarpine is a selective M1/M3 agonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes. Muscarinic acetylcholine receptors are G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are different drug targets. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of pilocarpine on the expression of M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor, the AChE activity, IL-8 release response, and proliferation in K562 cells, via muscarinic receptor activation. Human chronic myeloid leukemic cell cultures were incubated with drugs. Proliferation assays were performed by BrdU assay. Expression of M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor and apoptosis proteins such as bcl, bax, cyt C, and caspases was assessed with the semiquantitative Western blotting method. Pilocarpine inhibits chronic myeloid cell proliferation and M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor protein expression. Pilocarpine increases caspase-8 and -9 expression levels, upregulating the proapoptotic protein Bax and downregulating the expression levels of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2. The apoptotic activity of pilocarpine is associated with an increase in AChE activity. M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors can activate multiple signal transduction systems and mediate inhibitory effects on chronic myeloid K562 cell proliferation depending on the presence of 1% FBS conditions. This apoptotic effect of pilocarpine may be due to the concentration of pilocarpine and the increase in AChE level. Our results suggest that inhibition of cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis of pilocarpine in K562 cells may be one of the targets. M3 selective agonist may have therapeutic potential in chronic myeloid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Kanlı
- Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University, Basibuyuk-Maltepe, Istanbul, 34854, Turkey
| | - Hülya Cabadak
- Marmara University, School of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Maltepe, Istanbul, 34854, Turkey.
| | - Banu Aydın
- Marmara University, School of Medicine, Department of Biophysics, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Maltepe, Istanbul, 34854, Turkey
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14
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Calaf GM. Breast carcinogenesis induced by organophosphorous pesticides. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 96:71-117. [PMID: 36858780 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a major health threat to women worldwide and the leading cause of cancer-related death. The use of organophosphorous pesticides has increased in agricultural environments and urban settings, and there is evidence that estrogen may increase breast cancer risk in women. The mammary gland is an excellent model for examining its susceptibility to different carcinogenic agents due to its high cell proliferation capabilities associated with the topography of the mammary parenchyma and specific stages of gland development. Several experimental cellular models are presented here, in which the animals were exposed to chemical compounds such as pesticides, and endogenous substances such as estrogens that exert a significant effect on normal breast cell processes at different levels. Such models were developed by the effect of malathion, parathion, and eserine, influenced by estrogen demonstrating features of cancer initiation in vivo as tumor formation in rodents; and in vitro in the immortalized normal breast cell line MCF-10F, that when transformed showed signs of carcinogenesis such as increased cell proliferation, anchorage independence, invasive capabilities, modulation of receptors and genomic instability. The role of acetylcholine was also demonstrated in the MCF-10F, suggesting a role not only as a neurotransmitter but also with other functions, such as induction of cell proliferation, playing an important role in cancer. Of note, this is a unique experimental approach that identifies mechanistic signs that link organophosphorous pesticides with breast carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria M Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile.
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15
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Kuol N, Davidson M, Karakkat J, Filippone RT, Veale M, Luwor R, Fraser S, Apostolopoulos V, Nurgali K. Blocking Muscarinic Receptor 3 Attenuates Tumor Growth and Decreases Immunosuppressive and Cholinergic Markers in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:596. [PMID: 36614038 PMCID: PMC9820315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells have evolved to express immunosuppressive molecules allowing their evasion from the host's immune system. These molecules include programmed death ligands 1 and 2 (PD-L1 and PD-L2). Cancer cells can also produce acetylcholine (ACh), which plays a role in tumor development. Moreover, tumor innervation can stimulate vascularization leading to tumor growth and metastasis. The effects of atropine and muscarinic receptor 3 (M3R) blocker, 1,1-dimethyl-4-diphenylacetoxypiperidinium iodide (4-DAMP), on cancer growth and spread were evaluated in vitro using murine colon cancer cell line, CT-26, and in vivo in an orthotopic mouse model of colorectal cancer. In the in vitro model, atropine and 4-DAMP significantly inhibited CT-26 cell proliferation in a dose dependent manner and induced apoptosis. Atropine attenuated immunosuppressive markers and M3R via inhibition of EGFR/AKT/ERK signaling pathways. However, 4-DAMP showed no effect on the expression of PD-L1, PD-L2, and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) on CT-26 cells but attenuated M3R by suppressing the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK. Blocking of M3R in vivo decreased tumor growth and expression of immunosuppressive, cholinergic, and angiogenic markers through inhibition of AKT and ERK, leading to an improved immune response against cancer. The expression of immunosuppressive and cholinergic markers may hold potential in determining prognosis and treatment regimens for colorectal cancer patients. This study's results demonstrate that blocking M3R has pronounced antitumor effects via several mechanisms, including inhibition of immunosuppressive molecules, enhancement of antitumor immune response, and suppression of tumor angiogenesis via suppression of the AKT/ERK signaling pathway. These findings suggest a crosstalk between the cholinergic and immune systems during cancer development. In addition, the cholinergic system influences cancer evasion from the host's immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nyanbol Kuol
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3011, Australia
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Nevada, Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Majid Davidson
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3011, Australia
| | - Jimsheena Karakkat
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3011, Australia
| | | | - Margaret Veale
- La Trobe Institute of Molecule Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Rodney Luwor
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3011, Australia
| | - Vasso Apostolopoulos
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3011, Australia
- Immunology Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Melbourne 3021, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne 3011, Australia
- Department of Medicine Western Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Sciences, Melbourne 3021, Australia
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16
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Nerves in gastrointestinal cancer: from mechanism to modulations. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:768-784. [PMID: 36056202 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00669-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Maintenance of gastrointestinal health is challenging as it requires balancing multifaceted processes within the highly complex and dynamic ecosystem of the gastrointestinal tract. Disturbances within this vibrant environment can have detrimental consequences, including the onset of gastrointestinal cancers. Globally, gastrointestinal cancers account for ~19% of all cancer cases and ~22.5% of all cancer-related deaths. Developing new ways to more readily detect and more efficiently target these malignancies are urgently needed. Whereas members of the tumour microenvironment, such as immune cells and fibroblasts, have already been in the spotlight as key players of cancer initiation and progression, the importance of the nervous system in gastrointestinal cancers has only been highlighted in the past few years. Although extrinsic innervations modulate gastrointestinal cancers, cells and signals from the gut's intrinsic innervation also have the ability to do so. Here, we shed light on this thriving field and discuss neural influences during gastrointestinal carcinogenesis. We focus on the interactions between neurons and components of the gastrointestinal tract and tumour microenvironment, on the neural signalling pathways involved, and how these factors affect the cancer hallmarks, and discuss the neural signatures in gastrointestinal cancers. Finally, we highlight neural-related therapies that have potential for the management of gastrointestinal cancers.
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17
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An Overview of the Molecular Cues and Their Intracellular Signaling Shared by Cancer and the Nervous System: From Neurotransmitters to Synaptic Proteins, Anatomy of an All-Inclusive Cooperation. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314695. [PMID: 36499024 PMCID: PMC9739679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose an overview of the molecular cues and their intracellular signaling involved in the crosstalk between cancer and the nervous system. While "cancer neuroscience" as a field is still in its infancy, the relation between cancer and the nervous system has been known for a long time, and a huge body of experimental data provides evidence that tumor-nervous system connections are widespread. They encompass different mechanisms at different tumor progression steps, are multifaceted, and display some intriguing analogies with the nervous system's physiological processes. Overall, we can say that many of the paradigmatic "hallmarks of cancer" depicted by Weinberg and Hanahan are affected by the nervous system in a variety of manners.
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18
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Yaman I, Ağaç Çobanoğlu D, Xie T, Ye Y, Amit M. Advances in understanding cancer-associated neurogenesis and its implications on the neuroimmune axis in cancer. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108199. [PMID: 35490859 PMCID: PMC9991830 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nerves and immunologic mediators play pivotal roles in body homeostasis by interacting with each other through diverse mechanisms. The spread of nerves in the tumor microenvironment increases tumor cell proliferation and disease progression, and this correlates with poor patient outcomes. The effects of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves on cancer regulation are being investigated. Recent findings demonstrate the possibility of developing therapeutic strategies that target the tumor microenvironment and its components such as immune cells, neurotransmitters, and extracellular vesicles. Therefore, examining and understanding the mechanisms and pathways associated with the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, neurotransmitters, cancer-derived mediators and their interactions with the immune system in the tumor microenvironment may lead to the development of new cancer treatments. This review discusses the effects of nerve cells, immune cells, and cancer cells have on each other that regulate neurogenesis, cancer progression, and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Yaman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Didem Ağaç Çobanoğlu
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tongxin Xie
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yi Ye
- Bluestone Center for Clinical Research, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA.
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19
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Tie P, Cheng J, Xue MX, Yin J, Fu G, Duan WL. SLC18A3 promoted renal cancer development through acetylcholine/cAMP signaling. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:4279-4289. [PMID: 36225635 PMCID: PMC9548016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal cancer displays a high metastatic potential and a poor response to chemotherapy. However, the critical contributors to renal cancer development remain elusive. This study focused on acetylcholine (ACh) signaling. We identified the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (SLC18A3) that upregulates in patients with renal cancer. We further discovered that SLC18A3 enhanced the uptake of ACh, a classical neurotransmitter mediating synaptic transmission. The elevated ACh activated the protein kinase A (PKA)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) pathway, which contributed to renal cancer cell proliferation and invasive migration. Consistently, SLC18A3 overexpression caused sustained tumor growth and increased lung metastases in A489-bearing mice. In summary, our study demonstrated that SLC18A3 contributed to cancer spread in an ACh/PKA/CREB-dependent manner, which may drive the design of efficacious treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Tie
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ji Cheng
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Miao-Xin Xue
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jian Yin
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Guo Fu
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wan-Li Duan
- Department of Urology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
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20
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Regulation of the Soluble Amyloid Precursor Protein α (sAPPα) Levels by Acetylcholinesterase and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Lung Cancer Cell Media. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810746. [PMID: 36142659 PMCID: PMC9500850 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In comparing two human lung cancer cells, we previously found lower levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and intact amyloid-β40/42 (Aβ), and higher levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (mBDNF) in the media of H1299 cells as compared to A549 cell media. In this study, we hypothesized that the levels of soluble amyloid precursor protein α (sAPPα) are regulated by AChE and mBDNF in A549 and H1299 cell media. The levels of sAPPα were higher in the media of H1299 cells. Knockdown of AChE led to increased sAPPα and mBDNF levels and correlated with decreased levels of intact Aβ40/42 in A549 cell media. AChE and mBDNF had opposite effects on the levels of Aβ and sAPPα and were found to operate through a mechanism involving α-secretase activity. Treatment with AChE decreased sAPPα levels and simultaneously increased the levels of intact Aβ40/42 suggesting a role of the protein in shifting APP processing away from the non-amyloidogenic pathway and toward the amyloidogenic pathway, whereas treatment with mBDNF led to opposite effects on those levels. We also show that the levels of sAPPα are regulated by protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, phosphoinositide 3 Kinase (PI3K), but not by protein kinase A (PKA).
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21
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Li H, Ge Y, Wang Z, Liu Y, Wei P. Neurotransmitter release cycle-related genes predict the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30469. [PMID: 36086730 PMCID: PMC10980376 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of the limitations of therapeutic approaches, patients suffering from lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) have unsatisfactory prognoses. Studies have shown that neurotransmitters participated in tumorigenesis and development. In LUAD, the expression of neurotransmitter release cycle-related genes (NRCRGs) has been reported to be disordered. This study aimed to study the correlation between NRCRGs and LUAD. In this study, based on the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort, consensus clustering analyses were performed on ten neurotransmitter release cycle-related (NRCR) differentially expressed genes. Neurotransmitter release cycle (NRC) scores were derived by the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator-Cox regression model constituted by 3 NRCRGs. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to evaluate the prognosis value of the NRC score. In addition, single-Sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis and CIBERSORT were conducted in the Cancer Genome Atlas cohort. Finally, gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses were also performed. As a result, the NRC-low group showed a good prognosis instead of the NRC-high group. NRC score was identified to be an independent prognosis factor for LUAD. In general, the NRC score based on the prognostic model was found to be closely correlated with immunotherapy-related anti-cancer immunity and inflamed tumor microenvironment. Functional enrichment results demonstrated that differentially expressed genes between 2 NRC groups were closely correlated with DNA replication, cell-substrate adhesion, Golgi vesicle transport, MAPK signal pathway, and many others. Novel biomarkers were offered for predicting the prognoses of LUAD patients. The NRC score might contribute to guiding LUAD patients with immunotherapy selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - You Ge
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zemin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yangyang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pingmin Wei
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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22
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Aronowitz AL, Ali SR, Glaun MDE, Amit M. Acetylcholine in Carcinogenesis and Targeting Cholinergic Receptors in Oncology. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200053. [PMID: 35858206 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells modulate and are modulated by their microenvironments, which include the nervous system. Accumulating evidence links the overexpression and activity of nicotinic and muscarinic cholinergic receptor subtypes to tumorigenesis in breast, ovarian, prostate, gastric, pancreatic, and head and neck cancers. Nicotinic and muscarinic receptors have downstream factors are associated with angiogenesis, cell proliferation and migration, antiapoptotic signaling, and survival. Clinical trials analyzing the efficacy of various therapies targeting cholinergic signaling or downstream pathways of acetylcholine have shed promising light on novel cancer therapeutics. Although the evidence for cholinergic signaling involvement in tumor development is substantial, a more detailed understanding of the acetylcholine-induced mechanisms of tumorigenesis remains to be unlocked. Such an understanding would enable the development of clinical applications ranging from the identification of novel biomarkers to the utilization of existing drugs to modulate cholinergic signaling to the development of novel cancer therapies, as discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Aronowitz
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,McGovern Medical School at UTHealth, Houston, TX, 77555, USA
| | - Shahrukh R Ali
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Mica D E Glaun
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Hernandez S, Serrano AG, Solis Soto LM. The Role of Nerve Fibers in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment of Solid Tumors. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2022; 6:e2200046. [PMID: 35751462 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The importance of neurons and nerve fibers in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors is now acknowledged after being unexplored for a long time; this is possible due to the development of new technologies that allow in situ characterization of the TME. Recent studies have shown that the density and types of nerves that innervate tumors can predict a patient's clinical outcome and drive several processes of tumor biology. Nowadays, several efforts in cancer research and neuroscience are taking place to elucidate the mechanisms that drive tumor-associated innervation and nerve-tumor and nerve-immune interaction. Assessment of neurons and nerves within the context of the TME can be performed in situ, in tumor tissue, using several pathology-based strategies that utilize histochemical and immunohistochemistry principles, hi-plex technologies, and computational pathology approaches to identify measurable histopathological characteristics of nerves. These features include the number and type of tumor associated nerves, topographical location and microenvironment of neural invasion of malignant cells, and investigation of neuro-related biomarker expression in nerves, tumor cells, and cells of the TME. A deeper understanding of these complex interactions and the impact of nerves in tumor biology will guide the design of better strategies for targeted therapy in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharia Hernandez
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2130 West Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Alejandra G Serrano
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2130 West Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Luisa M Solis Soto
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2130 West Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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Emerging Roles of the Nervous System in Gastrointestinal Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153722. [PMID: 35954387 PMCID: PMC9367305 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nerve–cancer cross-talk has increasingly become a focus of the oncology field, particularly in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The indispensable roles of the nervous system in GI tumorigenesis and malignancy have been dissected by epidemiological, experimental animal and mechanistic data. Herein, we review and integrate recent discoveries linking the nervous system to GI cancer initiation and progression, and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which nerves and neural receptor pathways drive GI malignancy. Abstract Our understanding of the fascinating connection between nervous system and gastrointestinal (GI) tumorigenesis has expanded greatly in recent years. Recent studies revealed that neurogenesis plays an active part in GI tumor initiation and progression. Tumor-driven neurogenesis, as well as neurite outgrowth of the pre-existing peripheral nervous system (PNS), may fuel GI tumor progression via facilitating cancer cell proliferation, chemoresistance, invasion and immune escape. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides drive the activation of various oncogenic pathways downstream of neural receptors within cancer cells, underscoring the importance of neural signaling pathways in GI tumor malignancy. In addition, neural infiltration also plays an integral role in tumor microenvironments, and contributes to an environment in favor of tumor angiogenesis, immune evasion and invasion. Blockade of tumor innervation via denervation or pharmacological agents may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy against GI tumors. In this review, we summarize recent findings linking the nervous system to GI tumor progression, set the spotlight on the molecular mechanisms by which neural signaling fuels cancer aggressiveness, and highlight the importance of targeting neural mechanisms in GI tumor therapy.
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Miller HA, Rai SN, Yin X, Zhang X, Chesney JA, van Berkel VH, Frieboes HB. Lung cancer metabolomic data from tumor core biopsies enables risk-score calculation for progression-free and overall survival. Metabolomics 2022; 18:31. [PMID: 35567637 PMCID: PMC9724684 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-022-01891-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabolomics has emerged as a powerful method to provide insight into cancer progression, including separating patients into low- and high-risk groups for overall (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). However, survival prediction based mainly on metabolites obtained from biofluids remains elusive. OBJECTIVES This proof-of-concept study evaluates metabolites as biomarkers obtained directly from tumor core biopsies along with covariates age, sex, pathological stage at diagnosis (I/II vs. III/VI), histological subtype, and treatment vs. no treatment to risk stratify lung cancer patients in terms of OS and PFS. METHODS Tumor core biopsy samples obtained during routine lung cancer patient care at the University of Louisville Hospital and Norton Hospital were evaluated with high-resolution 2DLC-MS/MS, and the data were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression. A linear equation was developed to stratify patients into low and high risk groups based on log-transformed intensities of key metabolites. Sparse partial least squares discriminant analysis (SPLS-DA) was performed to predict OS and PFS events. RESULTS Univariable Cox proportional hazards regression model coefficients divided by the standard errors were used as weight coefficients multiplied by log-transformed metabolite intensity, then summed to generate a risk score for each patient. Risk scores based on 10 metabolites for OS and 5 metabolites for PFS were significant predictors of survival. Risk scores were validated with SPLS-DA classification model (AUROC 0.868 for OS and AUROC 0.755 for PFS, when combined with covariates). CONCLUSION Metabolomic analysis of lung tumor core biopsies has the potential to differentiate patients into low- and high-risk groups based on OS and PFS events and probability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter A Miller
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Shesh N Rai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Xinmin Yin
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Xiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Jason A Chesney
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Victor H van Berkel
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Hermann B Frieboes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA.
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Lutz Hall 419, Louisville, KY, 40292, USA.
- Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA.
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Calaf GM, Crispin LA, Muñoz JP, Aguayo F, Bleak TC. Muscarinic Receptors Associated with Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092322. [PMID: 35565451 PMCID: PMC9100020 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recently, cancer research has described the presence of the cholinergic machinery, specifically muscarinic receptors, in a wide variety of cancers due to their activation and signaling pathways associated with tumor progression and metastasis, providing a wide overview of their contribution to different cancer formation and development for new antitumor targets. This review focused on determining the molecular signatures associated with muscarinic receptors in breast and other cancers and the need for pharmacological, molecular, biochemical, technological, and clinical approaches to improve new therapeutic targets. Abstract Cancer has been considered the pathology of the century and factors such as the environment may play an important etiological role. The ability of muscarinic agonists to stimulate growth and muscarinic receptor antagonists to inhibit tumor growth has been demonstrated for breast, melanoma, lung, gastric, colon, pancreatic, ovarian, prostate, and brain cancer. This work aimed to study the correlation between epidermal growth factor receptors and cholinergic muscarinic receptors, the survival differences adjusted by the stage clinical factor, and the association between gene expression and immune infiltration level in breast, lung, stomach, colon, liver, prostate, and glioblastoma human cancers. Thus, targeting cholinergic muscarinic receptors appears to be an attractive therapeutic alternative due to the complex signaling pathways involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria M. Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile; (L.A.C.); (J.P.M.); (T.C.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Leodan A. Crispin
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile; (L.A.C.); (J.P.M.); (T.C.B.)
| | - Juan P. Muñoz
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile; (L.A.C.); (J.P.M.); (T.C.B.)
| | - Francisco Aguayo
- Laboratorio de Oncovirología, Programa de Virología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile;
| | - Tammy C. Bleak
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica 1000000, Chile; (L.A.C.); (J.P.M.); (T.C.B.)
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The Nervous System Contributes to the Tumorigenesis and Progression of Human Digestive Tract Cancer. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:9595704. [PMID: 35295188 PMCID: PMC8920690 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9595704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors of the gastrointestinal tract are one of the highest incidences of morbidity and mortality in humans. Recently, a growing number of researchers have indicated that nerve fibers and nerve signals participate in tumorigenesis. The current overarching view based on the responses to therapy revealed that tumors are partly promoted by the tumor microenvironment (TME), endogenous oncogenic factors, and complex systemic processes. Homeostasis of the neuroendocrine-immune axis (NEI axis) maintains a healthy in vivo environment in humans, and dysfunction of the axis contributes to various cancers, including the digestive tract. Interestingly, nerves might promote tumor development via multiple mechanisms, including perineural invasion (PNI), central level regulation, NEI axis effect, and neurotransmitter induction. This review focuses on the association between digestive tumors and nerve regulation, including PNI, the NEI axis, stress, and neurotransmitters, as well as on the potential clinical application of neurotherapy, aiming to provide a new perspective on the management of digestive cancers.
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Modeling of Tumor Growth with Input from Patient-Specific Metabolomic Data. Ann Biomed Eng 2022; 50:314-329. [PMID: 35083584 PMCID: PMC9743982 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-022-02904-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Advances in omic technologies have provided insight into cancer progression and treatment response. However, the nonlinear characteristics of cancer growth present a challenge to bridge from the molecular- to the tissue-scale, as tumor behavior cannot be encapsulated by the sum of the individual molecular details gleaned experimentally. Mathematical modeling and computational simulation have been traditionally employed to facilitate analysis of nonlinear systems. In this study, for the first time tumor metabolomic data are linked via mathematical modeling to the tumor tissue-scale behavior, showing the capability to mechanistically simulate cancer progression personalized to omic information obtainable from patient tumor core biopsy analysis. Generally, a higher degree of metabolic dysregulation has been correlated with more aggressive tumor behavior. Accordingly, key parameters influenced by metabolomic data in this model include tumor proliferation, vascularization, aggressiveness, lactic acid production, monocyte infiltration and macrophage polarization, and drug effect. The model enables evaluating interactions of interest between these parameters which drive tumor growth based on the metabolomic data. The results show that the model can group patients consistently with the clinically observed outcomes of response/non-response to chemotherapy. This modeling approach provides a first step towards evaluation of tumor growth based on tumor-specific metabolomic data.
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Schledwitz A, Sundel MH, Alizadeh M, Hu S, Xie G, Raufman JP. Differential Actions of Muscarinic Receptor Subtypes in Gastric, Pancreatic, and Colon Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222313153. [PMID: 34884958 PMCID: PMC8658119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222313153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers arising from gastrointestinal epithelial cells are common, aggressive, and difficult to treat. Progress in this area resulted from recognizing that the biological behavior of these cancers is highly dependent on bioactive molecules released by neurocrine, paracrine, and autocrine mechanisms within the tumor microenvironment. For many decades after its discovery as a neurotransmitter, acetylcholine was thought to be synthesized and released uniquely from neurons and considered the sole physiological ligand for muscarinic receptor subtypes, which were believed to have similar or redundant actions. In the intervening years, we learned this former dogma is not tenable. (1) Acetylcholine is not produced and released only by neurons. The cellular machinery required to synthesize and release acetylcholine is present in immune, cancer, and other cells, as well as in lower organisms (e.g., bacteria) that inhabit the gut. (2) Acetylcholine is not the sole physiological activator of muscarinic receptors. For example, selected bile acids can modulate muscarinic receptor function. (3) Muscarinic receptor subtypes anticipated to have overlapping functions based on similar G protein coupling and downstream signaling may have unexpectedly diverse actions. Here, we review the relevant research findings supporting these conclusions and discuss how the complexity of muscarinic receptor biology impacts health and disease, focusing on their role in the initiation and progression of gastric, pancreatic, and colon cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa Schledwitz
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.S.); (M.A.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
| | - Margaret H. Sundel
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA;
| | - Madeline Alizadeh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.S.); (M.A.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
- The Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Shien Hu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.S.); (M.A.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Guofeng Xie
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.S.); (M.A.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Raufman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (A.S.); (M.A.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-328-8728
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Roda N, Blandano G, Pelicci PG. Blood Vessels and Peripheral Nerves as Key Players in Cancer Progression and Therapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174471. [PMID: 34503281 PMCID: PMC8431382 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The interactions between cancer cells and the surrounding blood vessels and peripheral nerves are critical in all the phases of tumor development. Accordingly, therapies that specifically target vessels and nerves represent promising anticancer approaches. The first aim of this review is to document the importance of blood vessels and peripheral nerves in both cancer onset and local or distant growth of tumoral cells. We then focus on the state-of-the-art therapies that limit cancer progression through the impairment of blood vessels and peripheral nerves. The mentioned literature is helpful for the scientific community to appreciate the recent advances in these two fundamental components of tumors. Abstract Cancer cells continuously interact with the tumor microenvironment (TME), a heterogeneous milieu that surrounds the tumor mass and impinges on its phenotype. Among the components of the TME, blood vessels and peripheral nerves have been extensively studied in recent years for their prominent role in tumor development from tumor initiation. Cancer cells were shown to actively promote their own vascularization and innervation through the processes of angiogenesis and axonogenesis. Indeed, sprouting vessels and axons deliver several factors needed by cancer cells to survive and proliferate, including nutrients, oxygen, and growth signals, to the expanding tumor mass. Nerves and vessels are also fundamental for the process of metastatic spreading, as they provide both the pro-metastatic signals to the tumor and the scaffold through which cancer cells can reach distant organs. Not surprisingly, continuously growing attention is devoted to the development of therapies specifically targeting these structures, with promising initial results. In this review, we summarize the latest evidence that supports the importance of blood vessels and peripheral nerves in cancer pathogenesis, therapy resistance, and innovative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Roda
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (N.R.); (G.B.)
| | - Giada Blandano
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (N.R.); (G.B.)
| | - Pier Giuseppe Pelicci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milan, Italy; (N.R.); (G.B.)
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Blockage of Cholinergic Signaling via Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor 3 Inhibits Tumor Growth in Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133220. [PMID: 34203220 PMCID: PMC8267754 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholinergic signaling via the muscarinic M3 acetylcholine receptor (M3R) is involved in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). The present study aimed to analyze the blocking of M3R signaling in CRC using darifenacin, a selective M3R antagonist. Darifenacin effects were studied on HT-29 and SW480 CRC cells using MTT and BrdU assays, Western blotting and real time RT-PCR. In vivo, blocking of M3R was assessed in an orthotopic CRC xenograft BALB/cnu/nu mouse model. M3R expression in clinical tumor specimens was studied by immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray of 585 CRC patients. In vitro, darifenacin decreased tumor cell survival and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Acetylcholine-induced p38, ERK1/2 and Akt signaling, and MMP-1 mRNA expression were decreased by darifenacin, as well as matrigel invasion of tumor cells. In mice, darifenacin reduced primary tumor volume and weight (p < 0.05), as well as liver metastases, compared to controls. High expression scores of M3R were found on 89.2% of clinical CRC samples and correlated with infiltrative tumor border and non-mucinous histology (p < 0.05). In conclusion, darifenacin inhibited components of tumor growth and progression in vitro and reduced tumor growth in vivo. Its target, M3R, was expressed on the majority of CRC. Thus, repurposing darifenacin may be an attractive addition to systemic tumor therapy in CRC patients expressing M3R.
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Español A, Salem A, Sanchez Y, Sales ME. Breast cancer: Muscarinic receptors as new targets for tumor therapy. World J Clin Oncol 2021; 12:404-428. [PMID: 34189066 PMCID: PMC8223712 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v12.i6.404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of breast cancer is a complex process that involves the participation of different factors. Several authors have demonstrated the overexpression of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) in different tumor tissues and their role in the modulation of tumor biology, positioning them as therapeutic targets in cancer. The conventional treatment for breast cancer involves surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy. The latter presents disadvantages such as limited specificity, the appearance of resistance to treatment and other side effects. To prevent these side effects, several schedules of drug administration, like metronomic therapy, have been developed. Metronomic therapy is a type of chemotherapy in which one or more drugs are administered at low concentrations repetitively. Recently, two chemotherapeutic agents usually used to treat breast cancer have been considered able to activate mAChRs. The combination of low concentrations of these chemotherapeutic agents with muscarinic agonists could be a useful option to be applied in breast cancer treatment, since this combination not only reduces tumor cell survival without affecting normal cells, but also decreases pathological neo-angiogenesis, the expression of drug extrusion proteins and the cancer stem cell fraction. In this review, we focus on the previous evidences that have positioned mAChRs as relevant therapeutic targets in breast cancer and analyze the effects of administering muscarinic agonists in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic agents in a metronomic schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Español
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Agustina Salem
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - Yamila Sanchez
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
| | - María Elena Sales
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology and Tumor Biology, CEFYBO CONICET University of Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina
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Önder Narin G, Aydın B, Cabadak H. Studies on the role of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in K562 cell proliferation and signaling. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:5045-5055. [PMID: 34143396 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06498-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The results we obtained from this study gave information about the determination of alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nACh) expression in human erythroleukemia cells, as well as whether it has a role in calcium release and cell proliferation in the presence of nicotinic agonist, antagonists. Determining the roles of α7 nicotinic receptors in erythroleukemia cells will also contribute to leukemia-related signal transduction studies. This study is primarily to determine the role of nicotinic agonists and antagonists in cell proliferation, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression, and calcium release. The aim of this study, which is a continuation and an important part of our previous studies on the cholinergic system, has contributed to the literature on the human erythroleukemia cell signaling mechanism. Cell viability was evaluated by the trypan blue exclusion test and Bromodeoxyuridine/5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling. Acetylcholine, nicotinic alpha 7 receptor antagonist methyllycaconitine citrate, and cholinergic antagonist atropine were used to determine the role of α7-nACh in K562 cell proliferation. In our experiments, the fluorescence spectrophotometer was used in Ca2+ measurements. The expression of nicotinic alpha 7 receptor was evaluated by western blot. The stimulating effect of acetylcholine in K562 cell proliferation was reversed by both the α7 nicotinic antagonist methyllycaconitine citrate and the cholinergic antagonist, atropine. Methyllycaconitine citrate inhibited K562 cell proliferation partially explained the roles of nicotinic receptors in signal transduction. While ACh caused an increase in intracellular Ca2+, methyllycaconitine citrate decreased intracellular Ca2+ level in K562 cell. The effects of nicotinic agonists and/or antagonists on erythroleukemic cells on proliferation, calcium level contributed to the interaction of nicotinic receptors with different signaling pathways. Proliferation mechanisms in erythroleukemic cells are under the control of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor via calcium influx and different signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gözde Önder Narin
- Department of Biophysics, Marmara University Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Banu Aydın
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Başıbüyük Health Campus, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Maltepe, 34854, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Hülya Cabadak
- Department of Biophysics, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Başıbüyük Health Campus, Basic Medical Sciences Building, Maltepe, 34854, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Calaf GM. Role of organophosphorous pesticides and acetylcholine in breast carcinogenesis. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 76:206-217. [PMID: 33766648 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Several studies have addressed the association between cancer in humans and agricultural pesticide exposure. Evidence indicates that exposure to organophosphorous pesticides such as parathion and malathion occurs as a result of occupational factors since they are extensively used to control insects. On the other hand, estrogens have been considered beneficial to the organism; however, epidemiological studies have pointed out an increased breast cancer risk in both humans and animals. Experimental female rat mammary gland cancer models were developed after exposure to parathion, malathion, eserine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, and estrogen allowing the analysis of the signs of carcinogenicity as alteration of cell proliferation, receptor expression, genomic instability, and cell metabolism in vivo and in vitro. Thus, pesticides increased proliferative ducts followed by ductal carcinoma; and 17β-estradiol increased proliferative lobules followed by lobular carcinomas. The combination of both pesticides and either eserine or estrogen induced tumors with both types of structures followed by mammary gland tumors and metastasis to the lung and kidneys after 240 days of a 5-day treatment. Studies also showed that these pesticides and eserine decreased three to five times the acetylcholinesterase activity in the serum compared to controls whereas terminal end buds increased in number, being inhibited by atropine. Genomic instability was analyzed in such tissues (mp53, CYP1A2, c-myc, c-fos, ERα, M2R) and pesticides increased protein expression that was stimulated by estrogens but inhibited by atropine. Eserine also transformed the epithelium of the rat mammary gland in the presence of estrogen and increased the number of terminal end buds after treatment inducing mammary carcinomas. Then, enzymatic digestion of such structures gave rise to cells with increased DNA synthesis and induced anchorage independence. Thus, there were changes in the epithelium of the mammary gland influencing breast carcinogenesis. Furthermore, these substances and acetylcholine also showed the signs of carcinogenicity in vitro as cell proliferation, receptor expression (ERα, ErbB2, M2R), genomic instability (c-myc, mp53, ERα, M2R), and cell metabolism. A unique cellular model is also presented here based on the use of MCF-10 F, a non-tumorigenic cell line that represents a valuable clinically translatable experimental approach that identifies mechanistic links for pesticides and estrogen as suspect human carcinogenic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria M Calaf
- Instituto de Alta Investigación, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, 1000000, Chile; Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Role of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves in the development of gastric cancer through antagonism. Chin Med J (Engl) 2021; 134:908-909. [PMID: 33470652 PMCID: PMC8078313 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000001348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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Hunt PJ, Kabotyanski KE, Calin GA, Xie T, Myers JN, Amit M. Interrupting Neuron-Tumor Interactions to Overcome Treatment Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3741. [PMID: 33322770 PMCID: PMC7762969 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the tumor microenvironment release neurotransmitters, neuroligins, chemokines, soluble growth factors, and membrane-bound growth factors that solid tumors leverage to drive their own survival and spread. Tumors express nerve-specific growth factors and microRNAs that support local neurons and guide neuronal growth into tumors. The development of feed-forward relationships between tumors and neurons allows tumors to use the perineural space as a sanctuary from therapy. Tumor denervation slows tumor growth in animal models, demonstrating the innervation dependence of growing tumors. Further in vitro and in vivo experiments have identified many of the secreted signaling molecules (e.g., acetylcholine, nerve growth factor) that are passed between neurons and cancer cells, as well as the major signaling pathways (e.g., MAPK/EGFR) involved in these trophic interactions. The molecules involved in these signaling pathways serve as potential biomarkers of disease. Additionally, new treatment strategies focus on using small molecules, receptor agonists, nerve-specific toxins, and surgical interventions to target tumors, neurons, and immune cells of the tumor microenvironment, thereby severing the interactions between tumors and surrounding neurons. This article discusses the mechanisms underlying the trophic relationships formed between neurons and tumors and explores the emerging therapies stemming from this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Hunt
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.J.H.); (K.E.K.)
- Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Katherine E. Kabotyanski
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (P.J.H.); (K.E.K.)
| | - George A. Calin
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Division of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Tongxin Xie
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.X.); (J.N.M.)
| | - Jeffrey N. Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.X.); (J.N.M.)
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (T.X.); (J.N.M.)
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Functional Characterization of Cholinergic Receptors in Melanoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113141. [PMID: 33120929 PMCID: PMC7693616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last two decades, the scientific community has come to terms with the importance of non-neural acetylcholine in light of its multiple biological and pathological functions within and outside the nervous system. Apart from its well-known physiological role both in the central and peripheral nervous systems, in the autonomic nervous system, and in the neuromuscular junction, the expression of the acetylcholine receptors has been detected in different peripheral organs. This evidence has contributed to highlight new roles for acetylcholine in various biological processes, (e.g., cell viability, proliferation, differentiation, migration, secretion). In addition, growing evidence in recent years has also demonstrated new roles for acetylcholine and its receptors in cancer, where they are involved in the modulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and epithelial mesenchymal transition. In this review, we describe the functional characterization of acetylcholine receptors in different tumor types, placing attention on melanoma. The latest set of data accessible through literature, albeit limited, highlights how cholinergic receptors both of muscarinic and nicotinic type can play a relevant role in the migratory processes of melanoma cells, suggesting their possible involvement in invasion and metastasis.
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Sympathetic and parasympathetic innervation in cancer: therapeutic implications. Clin Auton Res 2020; 31:165-178. [PMID: 32926324 DOI: 10.1007/s10286-020-00724-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The autonomic nervous system, consisting of sympathetic and parasympathetic/vagal nerves, is known to control the functions of any organ, maintaining whole-body homeostasis under physiological conditions. Recently, there has been increasing evidence linking sympathetic and parasympathetic/vagal nerves to cancers. The present review aimed to summarize recent developments from studies addressing the relationship between sympathetic and parasympathetic/vagal nerves and cancer behavior. METHODS Literature review. RESULTS Human and animal studies have revealed that sympathetic and parasympathetic/vagal nerves innervate the cancer microenvironment and alter cancer behavior. The sympathetic nerves have cancer-promoting effects on prostate cancer, breast cancer, and melanoma. On the other hand, while the parasympathetic/vagal nerves have cancer-promoting effects on prostate, gastric, and colorectal cancers, they have cancer-suppressing effects on breast and pancreatic cancers. These neural effects may be mediated by β-adrenergic or muscarinic receptors and can be explained by changes in cancer cell behavior, angiogenesis, tumor-associated macrophages, and adaptive antitumor immunity. CONCLUSIONS Sympathetic nerves innervating the tumor microenvironment promote cancer progression and are related to stress-induced cancer behavior. The parasympathetic/vagal nerves have variable (promoting or suppressing) effects on different cancer types. Approaches directed toward the sympathetic and parasympathetic/vagal nerves can be developed as a new cancer therapy. In addition to existing pharmacological, surgical, and electrical approaches, a recently developed virus vector-based genetic local neuroengineering technology is a powerful approach that selectively manipulates specific types of nerve fibers innervating the cancer microenvironment and leads to the suppression of cancer progression. This technology will enable the creation of "cancer neural therapy" individually tailored to different cancer types.
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Role of the parasympathetic nervous system in cancer initiation and progression. Clin Transl Oncol 2020; 23:669-681. [PMID: 32770391 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-020-02465-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The nervous system plays an important role in cancer initiation and progression. Accumulated evidences clearly show that the sympathetic nervous system exerts stimulatory effects on carcinogenesis and cancer growth. However, the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in cancer has been much less elucidated. Whereas retrospective studies in vagotomized patients and experiments employing vagotomized animals indicate the parasympathetic nervous system has an inhibitory effect on cancer, clinical studies in patients with prostate cancer indicate it has stimulatory effects. Therefore, the aim of this paper is a critical evaluation of the available data related to the role of the parasympathetic nervous system in cancer.
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Pan J, Zhang L, Shao X, Huang J. Acetylcholine From Tuft Cells: The Updated Insights Beyond Its Immune and Chemosensory Functions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:606. [PMID: 32733896 PMCID: PMC7359717 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuft cells, rare solitary chemosensory cells, are distributed in mucosal epithelium throughout mammalian organs. Their nomenclatures are various in different organs and may be confused with other similar cells. Current studies mainly focus on their chemosensory ability and immune functions in type 2 inflammation. Several state-of-the-art reviews have already systematically discussed their role in immune responses. However, given that tuft cells are one of the crucial components of non-neuronal cholinergic system, the functions of tuft cell derived acetylcholine (ACh) and the underlying mechanisms remain intricate. Existing evidence demonstrated that tuft cell derived ACh participates in maintaining epithelial homeostasis, modulating airway remodeling, regulating reflexes, promoting muscle constriction, inducing neurogenic inflammation, initiating carcinogenesis and producing ATP. In this review, the ACh biosynthesis pathways and potential clinical applications of tuft cells have been proposed. More importantly, the main pathophysiological roles and the underlying mechanisms of tuft cell derived ACh are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Pan
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Leyi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuan Shao
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cancer Institute (Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, National Ministry of Education), Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Grando SA, Kawashima K, Wessler I. A historic perspective on the current progress in elucidation of the biologic significance of non-neuronal acetylcholine. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 81:106289. [PMID: 32113128 PMCID: PMC10612399 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The "5th International Symposium on Non-neuronal Acetylcholine: from bench to bedside" was held on September 27-29, 2019 in Hyatt Regency, Long Beach, CA, USA. Approximately 50 scientists from 11 countries over 6 continents participated in this meeting. The major topics included an overall biologic significance of non-neuronal acetylcholine (ACh) and the roles of the non-neuronal cholinergic systems in mucocutaneous, respiratory, digestive, immunologic, endocrine, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and kidney diseases, and cancer. This meeting facilitated continued work to advance the fundamental science and translational aspects of the interdisciplinary studies on non-neuronal ACh. The progress made has opened a new chapter in the field of cholinergic pharmacology, and advanced our knowledge beyond regulation of individual cell- and tissue-types, defining a new paradigm of selective pharmacological regulation of vital function of practically all types of non-neuronal cells. It is now clear that the autocrine and paracrine control of non-neuronal cells by non-neuronal ACh is implemented through synergistic, additive, and reciprocal effects triggered by two different cholinergic receptor classes. Each biologic effect of ACh is determined by a unique combination of cholinergic receptors subtype expressed at each stage of cell development and differentiation. The plasticity of the non-neuronal cholinergic system helps adjust homeostasis to new environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei A Grando
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Koichiro Kawashima
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Kitasato University School of Pharmacy, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Ignaz Wessler
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz D-55101, Germany
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Vellichirammal NN, Albahrani A, Banwait JK, Mishra NK, Li Y, Roychoudhury S, Kling MJ, Mirza S, Bhakat KK, Band V, Joshi SS, Guda C. Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals the Diverse Landscape of Novel Sense and Antisense Fusion Transcripts. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 19:1379-1398. [PMID: 32160708 PMCID: PMC7044684 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Gene fusions that contribute to oncogenicity can be explored for identifying cancer biomarkers and potential drug targets. To investigate the nature and distribution of fusion transcripts in cancer, we examined the transcriptome data of about 9,000 primary tumors from 33 different cancers in TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) along with cell line data from CCLE (Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia) using ChimeRScope, a novel fusion detection algorithm. We identified several fusions with sense (canonical, 39%) or antisense (non-canonical, 61%) transcripts recurrent across cancers. The majority of the recurrent non-canonical fusions found in our study are novel, unexplored, and exhibited highly variable profiles across cancers, with breast cancer and glioblastoma having the highest and lowest rates, respectively. Overall, 4,344 recurrent fusions were identified from TCGA in this study, of which 70% were novel. Additional analysis of 802 tumor-derived cell line transcriptome data across 20 cancers revealed significant variability in recurrent fusion profiles between primary tumors and corresponding cell lines. A subset of canonical and non-canonical fusions was validated by examining the structural variation evidence in whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data or by Sanger sequencing of fusion junctions. Several recurrent fusion genes identified in our study show promise for drug repurposing in basket trials and present opportunities for mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abrar Albahrani
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Jasjit K Banwait
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Core. University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Nitish K Mishra
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - You Li
- HitGen, South Keyuan Road 88, Chengdu, China
| | - Shrabasti Roychoudhury
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Mathew J Kling
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Sameer Mirza
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kishor K Bhakat
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Vimla Band
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Shantaram S Joshi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Chittibabu Guda
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Core. University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Chen S, Liao B, Jin X, Wei T, He Q, Lin Y, Ai J, Gong L, Li H, Wang K. M
3
receptor modulates extracellular matrix synthesis via ERK1/2 signaling pathway in human bladder smooth muscle cells. J Cell Biochem 2020; 121:4496-4504. [PMID: 32065420 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shulian Chen
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Reconstructive Urology, Institute of Urology West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
- Department of Urology Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University Zunyi Guizhou China
| | - Banghua Liao
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Reconstructive Urology, Institute of Urology West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Xi Jin
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Reconstructive Urology, Institute of Urology West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Tangqiang Wei
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Reconstructive Urology, Institute of Urology West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Qing He
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Reconstructive Urology, Institute of Urology West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Yifei Lin
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Reconstructive Urology, Institute of Urology West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Jianzhong Ai
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Reconstructive Urology, Institute of Urology West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Lina Gong
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Reconstructive Urology, Institute of Urology West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Hong Li
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Reconstructive Urology, Institute of Urology West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
| | - Kunjie Wang
- Department of Urology, Laboratory of Reconstructive Urology, Institute of Urology West China Hospital, Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China
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Wang Z, Liu W, Wang C, Li Y, Ai Z. Acetylcholine promotes the self-renewal and immune escape of CD133+ thyroid cancer cells through activation of CD133-Akt pathway. Cancer Lett 2019; 471:116-124. [PMID: 31830559 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nerves infiltrate the tumor microenvironment and stimulate the growth of cancer cells through the secretion of neurotransmitters. However, the contributions of nerves to the self-renewal capacity of cancer stem cells (CSCs) remain largely unknown. In this study, we found that CD133+ cancer cells were responsible for the initiation of thyroid cancer. Neurons were juxtaposed with CD133+ cells in thyroid cancer tissues. Acetylcholine, one of the most abundant neurotransmitters, promoted CD133 Y828 phosphorylation, and subsequently increased the interaction between CD133 and PI3K regulatory subunit p85, resulting in the activation of the PI3K-Akt pathway. Acetylcholine increased the self-renewal ability of CD133+ thyroid cancer cells through activation of CD133-Akt pathway. Furthermore, acetylcholine promoted the expression of the immune regulator PD-L1 through the activation of the CD133-Akt pathway, resulting in the resistance of CD133+ thyroid cancer cells to CD8+ T cells. However, acetylcholine receptor antagonist 4-DAMP blocked the positive effects of acetylcholine on the self-renewal and immune escape of CD133+ thyroid cancer cells. Taken together, these data suggest that acetylcholine increases the self-renewal and immune escape abilities of CD133+ thyroid cancer cells through the activation of the CD133-Akt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenglin Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yinan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Glycoconjugates Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zhilong Ai
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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45
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Wang K, Zhao XH, Liu J, Zhang R, Li JP. Nervous system and gastric cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2019; 1873:188313. [PMID: 31647986 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2019.188313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system has been recently shown to exert impact on gastric cancer directly and indirectly. Gastric cancer cells invade nerve fibers to induce outgrowth and branching of neural cells, and nerve fibers in turn infiltrate into tumor microenvironment to promote progression of gastric cancer. Additionally, the neuro-immune interaction also plays an important role in gastric cancer development. The interplay of nerves and gastric cancer is mediated by many nervous system-associated factors, which can not only be synthesized and released by both cancer cells and nerve terminals, but also participate in regulation of many aspects of gastric cancer such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis and recurrence. Furthermore, clinical researches indicate that some of these factors are significant diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers for gastric cancer. Herein, we reviewed recent advances and future prospects of the interaction between nervous system and gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Wang
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin-Hui Zhao
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Immunology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Ji-Peng Li
- State key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China; Department of Experimental Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, China.
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Thompson EG, Sontheimer H. Acetylcholine Receptor Activation as a Modulator of Glioblastoma Invasion. Cells 2019; 8:cells8101203. [PMID: 31590360 PMCID: PMC6829263 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Grade IV astrocytomas, or glioblastomas (GBMs), are the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. The median GBM patient survival of 12–15 months has remained stagnant, in spite of treatment strategies, making GBMs a tremendous challenge clinically. This is at least in part due to the complex interaction of GBM cells with the brain microenvironment and their tendency to aggressively infiltrate normal brain tissue. GBMs frequently invade supratentorial brain regions that are richly innervated by neurotransmitter projections, most notably acetylcholine (ACh). Here, we asked whether ACh signaling influences the biology of GBMs. We examined the expression and function of known ACh receptors (AChRs) in large GBM datasets, as well as, human GBM cell lines and patient-derived xenograft lines. Using RNA-Seq data from the “The Cancer Genome Atlas” (TCGA), we confirmed the expression of AChRs and demonstrated the functionality of these receptors in GBM cells with time-lapse calcium imaging. AChR activation did not alter cell proliferation or migration, however, it significantly increased cell invasion through complex extracellular matrices. This was due to the enhanced activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) from GBM cells, which we found to be dependent on an intracellular calcium-dependent mechanism. Consistent with these findings, AChRs were significantly upregulated in regions of GBM infiltration in situ (Ivy Glioblastoma Atlas Project) and elevated expression of muscarinic AChR M3 correlated with reduced patient survival (TCGA). Data from the Repository for Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data (REMBRANDT) dataset also showed the co-expression of choline transporters, choline acetyltransferase, and vesicular acetylcholine transporters, suggesting that GBMs express all the proteins required for ACh synthesis and release. These findings identify ACh as a modulator of GBM behavior and posit that GBMs may utilize ACh as an autocrine signaling molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily G Thompson
- Glial Biology in Health, Disease and Cancer Center, Fralin Biomedical Institute at Virginia Tech-Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
| | - Harald Sontheimer
- Glial Biology in Health, Disease and Cancer Center, Fralin Biomedical Institute at Virginia Tech-Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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Jiang SH, Hu LP, Wang X, Li J, Zhang ZG. Neurotransmitters: emerging targets in cancer. Oncogene 2019; 39:503-515. [PMID: 31527667 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters are conventionally viewed as nerve-secreted substances that mediate the stimulatory or inhibitory neuronal functions through binding to their respective receptors. In the past decades, many novel discoveries come to light elucidating the regulatory roles of neurotransmitters in the physiological and pathological functions of tissues and organs. Notably, emerging data suggest that cancer cells take advantage of the neurotransmitters-initiated signaling pathway to activate uncontrolled proliferation and dissemination. In addition, neurotransmitters can affect immune cells and endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment to promote tumor progression. Therefore, a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying neurotransmitter function in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis, and inflammation is expected to enable the development of the next generation of antitumor therapies. Here, we summarize the recent important studies on the different neurotransmitters, their respective receptors, target cells, as well as pro/antitumor activity of specific neurotransmitter/receptor axis in cancers and provide perspectives and insights regarding the rationales and strategies of targeting neurotransmitter system to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Heng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Li-Peng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Xu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhi-Gang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 200240, Shanghai, PR China.
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Role of Muscarinic Acetylcholine Signaling in Gastrointestinal Cancers. Biomedicines 2019; 7:biomedicines7030058. [PMID: 31405140 PMCID: PMC6783861 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines7030058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the tumor microenvironment, various stromal and immune cells accumulate and interact with cancer cells to contribute to tumor progression. Among stromal players, nerves have recently been recognized as key regulators of tumor growth. More neurotransmitters, such as catecholamines and acetylcholine (ACh), are present in tumors, as the cells that secrete neurotransmitters accumulate by the release of neurotrophic factors from cancer cells. In this short review, we focus on the role of nerve signaling in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Given that muscarinic acetylcholine receptor signaling seems to be a dominant regulator of GI stem cells and cancers, we review the function and mechanism of the muscarinic ACh pathway as a regulator of GI cancer progression. Accumulating evidence suggests that ACh, which is secreted from nerves and tuft cells, stimulates GI epithelial stem cells and contributes to cancer progression via muscarinic receptors.
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Konczalla L, Perez DR, Wenzel N, Wolters-Eisfeld G, Klemp C, Lüddeke J, Wolski A, Landschulze D, Meier C, Buchholz A, Yao D, Hofmann BT, Graß JK, Spriestersbach SL, Grupp K, Schumacher U, Betzel C, Kapis S, Nuguid T, Steinberg P, Püschel K, Sauter G, Bockhorn M, Uzunoglu FG, Izbicki JR, Güngör C, El Gammal AT. Biperiden and mepazine effectively inhibit MALT1 activity and tumor growth in pancreatic cancer. Int J Cancer 2019; 146:1618-1630. [PMID: 31291468 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MALT1 is a key mediator of NF-κB signaling and a main driver of B-cell lymphomas. Remarkably, MALT1 is expressed in the majority of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) as well, but absent from normal exocrine pancreatic tissue. Following, MALT1 shows off to be a specific target in cancer cells of PDAC without affecting regular pancreatic cells. Therefore, we studied the impact of pharmacological MALT1 inhibition in pancreatic cancer and showed promising effects on tumor progression. Mepazine (Mep), a phenothiazine derivative, is a known potent MALT1 inhibitor. Newly, we described that biperiden (Bip) is a potent MALT1 inhibitor with even less pharmacological side effects. Thus, Bip is a promising drug leading to reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in PDAC cells in vitro and in vivo. By compromising MALT1 activity, nuclear translocation of c-Rel is prevented. c-Rel is critical for NF-κB-dependent inhibition of apoptosis. Hence, off-label use of Bip or Mep represents a promising new therapeutic approach to PDAC treatment. Regularly, the Anticholinergicum Bip is used to treat neurological side effects of Phenothiazines, like extrapyramidal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Konczalla
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel R Perez
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nadine Wenzel
- Institute for Food Toxicology and Analytical Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gerrit Wolters-Eisfeld
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Clarissa Klemp
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Lüddeke
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Annika Wolski
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Landschulze
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Chris Meier
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anika Buchholz
- Department of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dichao Yao
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bianca T Hofmann
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julia K Graß
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah L Spriestersbach
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Grupp
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Betzel
- Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Department of Chemistry, c/o DESY, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Svetlana Kapis
- Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Department of Chemistry, c/o DESY, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Nuguid
- Laboratory for Structural Biology of Infection and Inflammation, Department of Chemistry, c/o DESY, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Pablo Steinberg
- Institute for Food Toxicology and Analytical Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Klaus Püschel
- Institute of Legal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Guido Sauter
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Maximillian Bockhorn
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Faik G Uzunoglu
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob R Izbicki
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Cenap Güngör
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander T El Gammal
- Department of General, Visceral, and Thoracic Surgery, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Effects of carbachol on apoptosis in human chronic myelogenous leukemic K562 cell line. MARMARA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2019. [DOI: 10.5472/marumj.518983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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