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Neurotensin and Its Involvement in Reproductive Functions: An Exhaustive Review of the Literature. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054594. [PMID: 36902025 PMCID: PMC10002593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotensin (NTS) is a peptide discovered in 1973, which has been studied in many fields and mainly in oncology for its action in tumor growth and proliferation. In this review of the literature, we wanted to focus on its involvement in reproductive functions. NTS participates in an autocrine manner in the mechanisms of ovulation via NTS receptor 3 (NTSR3), present in granulosa cells. Spermatozoa express only its receptors, whereas in the female reproductive system (endometrial and tube epithelia and granulosa cells), we find both NTS secretion and the expression of its receptors. It consistently enhances the acrosome reaction of spermatozoa in mammals in a paracrine manner via its interaction with NTSR1 and NTSR2. Furthermore, previous results on embryonic quality and development are discordant. NTS appears to be involved in the key stages of fertilization and could improve the results of in vitro fertilization, especially through its effect on the acrosomal reaction.
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Expression of neurotensin receptor-1 (NTS 1) in primary breast tumors, cellular distribution, and association with clinical and biological factors. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 190:403-413. [PMID: 34596798 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06402-5] [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: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Neurotensin receptor-1 (NTS1) is increasingly recognized as a potential target in diverse tumors including breast cancer, but factors associated with NTS1 expression have not been fully clarified. METHODS We studied NTS1 expression using the Tissue MicroArray (TMA) of primary breast tumors from Institut Bergonié. We also studied association between NTS1 expression and clinical, pathological, and biological parameters, as well as patient outcomes. RESULTS Out of 1419 primary breast tumors, moderate to strong positivity for NTS1 (≥ 10% of tumoral cells stained) was seen in 459 samples (32.4%). NTS1 staining was cytoplasmic in 304 tumors and nuclear in 155 tumors, a distribution which appeared mutually exclusive. Cytoplasmic overexpression of NTS1 was present in 21.5% of all breast tumors. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with cytoplasmic overexpression of NTS1 in breast cancer samples were higher tumor grade, Ki67 ≥ 20%, and higher pT stage. Cytoplasmic NTS1 was more frequent in tumors other than luminal A (30% versus 17.3%; p < 0.0001). Contrastingly, the main "correlates" of a nuclear location of NTS1 were estrogen receptor (ER) positivity, low E&E (Elston and Ellis) grade, Ki67 < 20%, and lower pT stage. In NTS1-positive samples, cytoplasmic expression of NTS1 was associated with shorter 10-year metastasis-free interval (p = 0.033) compared to NTS1 nuclear staining. Ancillary analysis showed NTS1 expression in 73% of invaded lymph nodes from NTS1-positive primaries. CONCLUSION NTS1 overexpression was found in about one-third of breast tumors from patients undergoing primary surgery with two distinct patterns of distribution, cytoplasmic distribution being more frequent in aggressive subtypes. These findings encourage the development of NTS1-targeting strategy, including radiopharmaceuticals for imaging and therapy.
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Expression of neurotensin receptor 1 in endometrial adenocarcinoma is correlated with histological grade and clinical outcome. Virchows Arch 2017; 471:521-530. [PMID: 28836043 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-017-2215-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The promalignant effects of neurotensin (NTS) are sustained in many solid tumors, including hormone-dependent cancers. As the endometrium is also subjected to hormonal regulation, we evaluated the contribution of NTS to endometrial carcinogenesis. Neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) expression and NTSR1 promoter methylation (HM450) were analyzed in 385 cases of endometrial carcinoma from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Additionally, from a series of 100 endometrial carcinomas, and 66 benign endometrium samples, NTS and NTSR1 labeling was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Using TCGA series, NTSR1 messenger RNA (mRNA) level was negatively correlated with overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.0012 and p = 0.0116, respectively), and positively correlated with the grade (p = 0.0008). When including only endometrioid carcinomas, NTSR1 mRNA level continued to be negatively correlated with OS (log-rank: p < 0.0001) and PFS (log-rank: p = 0.002). A higher NTSR1 mRNA level was significantly associated with a loss of NTSR1 promoter methylation. Immunohistochemical expression of NTS and NTSR1 was significantly increased in adenocarcinoma (n = 100), as compared to benign endometrium (p < 0.001). NTSR1 expression was positively correlated with grade (p = 0.004). High immunohistochemical expression of cytoplasmic NTSR1 was significantly correlated with a shorter OS and PFS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). This correlation remained significant when excluding non-endometrioid subtypes (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). In multivariate analysis, the expression of NTSR1 was an independent prognostic factor (p = 0.004). NTSR1 overexpression is a poor prognostic factor in endometrial cancer, highlighting the contribution of NTS in endometrial cancer progression and its uses as a prognostic marker, and as a potential therapeutic target.
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Pegolo S, Cannizzo FT, Biolatti B, Castagnaro M, Bargelloni L. Transcriptomic profiling as a screening tool to detect trenbolone treatment in beef cattle. Res Vet Sci 2014; 96:472-81. [PMID: 24746288 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2014.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The effects of steroid hormone implants containing trenbolone alone (Finaplix-H), combined with 17β-oestradiol (17β-E; Revalor-H), or with 17β-E and dexamethasone (Revalor-H plus dexamethasone per os) on the bovine muscle transcriptome were examined by DNA-microarray. Overall, large sets of genes were shown to be modulated by the different growth promoters (GPs) and the regulated pathways and biological processes were mostly shared among the treatment groups. Using the Prediction Analysis of Microarray program, GP-treated animals were accurately identified by a small number of predictive genes. A meta-analysis approach was also carried out for the Revalor group to potentially increase the robustness of class prediction analysis. After data pre-processing, a high level of accuracy (90%) was obtained in the classification of samples, using 105 predictive gene markers. Transcriptomics could thus help in the identification of indirect biomarkers for anabolic treatment in beef cattle to be applied for the screening of muscle samples collected after slaughtering.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pegolo
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy.
| | - F T Cannizzo
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Turin, via L. da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - B Biolatti
- Department of Animal Pathology, University of Turin, via L. da Vinci 44, 10095, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - M Castagnaro
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
| | - L Bargelloni
- Department of Comparative Biomedicine and Food Science, University of Padua, Viale dell'Università 16, 35020 Legnaro, Padova, Italy
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Cañete H, Dorta I, Hernández M, Cejudo Roman A, Candenas L, Pinto FM, Valladares F, Báez D, Montes de Oca F, Bello AR, Almeida TA. Differentially regulated expression of neurokinin B (NKB)/NK3 receptor system in uterine leiomyomata. Hum Reprod 2013; 28:1799-808. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/det128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Vasiljevic A, Champier J, Figarella-Branger D, Wierinckx A, Jouvet A, Fèvre-Montange M. Molecular characterization of central neurocytomas: Potential markers for tumor typing and progression. Neuropathology 2012; 33:149-61. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2012.01338.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Comparative analysis of the ERα/ERβ ratio and neurotensin and its high-affinity receptor in myometrium, uterine leiomyoma, atypical leiomyoma, and leiomyosarcoma. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2011; 30:354-63. [PMID: 21623207 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0b013e31820918cb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Deregulated steroids are involved in different hormone-dependent tumors, including benign and malignant uterine neoplasms. Leiomyomas (LM) are estrogen and progesterone-dependent benign tumors, whereas "bizarre or atypical LMs" (AL) are considered a subgroup of LM and clinically benign, although their malignant potential is suspect. Uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are malignant smooth muscle tumors, and ovarian steroids may control their growth. Estrogen effects are mediated by 2 receptors, estrogen receptors (ER) α and β, and the ratio of both receptors seems to be a critical parameter in the estrogen-mediated carcinogenic process. Estradiol induces the expression of neurotensin (NTS), and the coupling of this peptide with its high-affinity receptor, NTS1, has been involved in the regulation of tumoral cell growth. Given the importance of these markers in tumor development, we aim to determine the status of ERα and ERβ in the myometrium and LM, AL, and LMS, concomitantly with the expression of NTS/NTS receptor 1 in these tumors. For that purpose, we use immunohistochemistry for all markers analyzed and in-situ hybridization to detect NTS mRNA. These data suggest that LMS are estrogen-dependent tumors, which may use NTS as an autocrine growth factor. In addition, the phenotype of AL with regard to ERα and ERβ status and NTS expression is closer to LMS than LM; thus, a potential malignization of this tumor is feasible.
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Soloff MS, Jeng YJ, Izban MG, Sinha M, Luxon BA, Stamnes SJ, England SK. Effects of progesterone treatment on expression of genes involved in uterine quiescence. Reprod Sci 2011; 18:781-97. [PMID: 21795739 PMCID: PMC4051400 DOI: 10.1177/1933719111398150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
An important action of progesterone during pregnancy is to maintain the uterus in a quiescent state and thereby prevent preterm labor. The causes of preterm labor are not well understood, so progesterone action on the myometrium can provide clues about the processes that keep the uterus from contracting prematurely. Accordingly, we have carried out Affymetrix GeneChip analysis of progesterone effects on gene expression in immortalized human myometrial cells cultured from a patient near the end of pregnancy. Progesterone appears to inhibit uterine excitability by a number of mechanisms, including increased expression of calcium and voltage-operated K(+) channels, which dampens the electrical activity of the myometrial cell, downregulation of agents, and receptors involved in myometrial contraction, reduction in cell signal components that lead to increased intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations in response to contractile stimuli, and downregulation of proteins involved in the cross-linking of actin and myosin filaments to produce uterine contractions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melvyn S. Soloff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yow-Jiun Jeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Michael G. Izban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mala Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Sealy Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Bruce A. Luxon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and the Sealy Center for Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Susan J. Stamnes
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sarah K. England
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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Dupouy S, Mourra N, Doan VK, Gompel A, Alifano M, Forgez P. The potential use of the neurotensin high affinity receptor 1 as a biomarker for cancer progression and as a component of personalized medicine in selective cancers. Biochimie 2011; 93:1369-78. [PMID: 21605619 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2011.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A growing challenge in medicine today, is the need to improve the suitability of drug treatments for cancer patients. In this field, biomarkers have become the "flags" to provide additional information in tumor biology. They are a relay between the patient and practitioner and consequently, aid in the diagnosis, providing information for prognosis, or in some cases predicting the response to specific therapies. In addition to being markers, these tumor "flags" can also be major participants in the process of carcinogenesis. Neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) was recently identified as a prognosis marker in breast, lung, and head and neck squamous carcinomas. Neurotensin (NTS) was also shown to exert numerous oncogenic effects involved in tumor growth and metastatic spread. These effects were mostly mediated by NTSR1, making the NTS/NTSR1 complex an actor in cancer progression. In this review, we gather information on the oncogenic effects of the NTS/NTSR1 complex and its associated signaling pathways in order to illuminate its significant role in tumor progression and its potential as a biomarker and a therapeutic target in some tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Dupouy
- INSERM-UPMC UMR_S938, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, 184 rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine, 75012 Paris, France
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Mustain WC, Rychahou PG, Evers BM. The role of neurotensin in physiologic and pathologic processes. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2011; 18:75-82. [PMID: 21124211 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e3283419052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neurotensin is a 13-amino acid peptide found in the central nervous system central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. Since its initial discovery in 1973, neurotensin has been shown to play a role in a wide range of physiologic and pathologic processes throughout the body. Ongoing research efforts continue to clarify the role of neurotensin in various central nervous system and gastrointestinal processes, as well as how disruption of these normal mechanisms may lead to diseases ranging from schizophrenia to colorectal cancer. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the most recent advances in the field of neurotensin research, in the context of what has been previously published. RECENT FINDINGS Because of the seemingly unrelated functions of neurotensin in the central nervous system and the periphery, the scope of the articles reviewed is rather broad. Contributions continue to be made to our understanding of the downstream effects of neurotensin signaling and the complex feedback loops between neurotensin and other signaling molecules. By selective targeting or blockade of specific neurotensin receptors, investigators have identified potential drugs for use in the treatment of schizophrenia, alcoholism, chronic pain, or cancer. Neurotensin-based pharmacologic agents are being used successfully in animal models for a number of these conditions. SUMMARY The review highlights the wide array of biological processes in which neurotensin has a role, and summarizes the most recent advances in various fields of neurotensin research. The knowledge gained through this research has led to the development of first-in-class drugs for the treatment of various medical conditions, and it is clear that in the coming years some of these agents will be ready to move from the bench to the bedside in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Conan Mustain
- Department of Surgery, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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