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Traserra S, Alcalá-González LG, Barber C, Landolfi S, Malagelada C, Lange R, Forestier S, Corsetti M, Jimenez M. New insights into the characterization of the mechanism of action of hyoscine butylbromide in the human colon ex vivo. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 972:176550. [PMID: 38570081 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176550] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hyoscine butylbromide (HBB) is one of the most used antispasmodics in clinical practice. Recent translational consensus has demonstrated a similarity between human colonic motor patterns studied ex vivo and in vivo, suggesting ex vivo can predict in vivo results. It is unclear whether the mechanism of action of antispasmodics can predict different use in clinical practice. The aim of the present study is to bridge this gap dissecting HBB's role in excitatory and inhibitory neural pathways. METHODS 309 colon samples from 48 patients were studied in muscle bath experiments. HBB was tested on: 1-spontaneous phasic contractions (SPCs); 2-carbachol-induced contractility; electrical field stimulation (EFS)-induced selective stimulation of 3-excitatory and 4-inhibitory pathways and 5- SPCs and EFS-induced contractions enhanced by neostigmine. Atropine, AF-DX116 (M2 blocker) and DAU-5884 (M3 blocker) were used as comparators. RESULTS In the presence of tetrodotoxin (TTX), HBB and atropine 1 μM reduced SPCs. HBB and atropine concentration-dependently reduced carbachol- and EFS-induced contractions. Inhibitory effects of DAU-5884 on EFS-induced contractions were more potent than of AF-DX116. HBB did not affect the off-response associated to neural inhibitory responses. Neostigmine enhanced both SPCs and EFS-induced contractions. In the presence of TTX and ω-conotoxin (GVIA), neostigmine still enhanced SPCs. Addition of HBB and atropine reduced these responses. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that HBB inhibits neural cholinergic contractions associated to muscarinic (mainly M3) receptors. HBB has a potential role in reducing colonic spasm induced by the release of acetylcholine from enteric motor neurons and from an atypical source including a potential non-neuronal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Traserra
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Claudia Barber
- Vall D'Hebron University Hospital, Digestive System Research Unit, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stefania Landolfi
- Valld'Hebron University Hospital, Department of Pathology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carolina Malagelada
- Vall D'Hebron University Hospital, Digestive System Research Unit, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Maura Corsetti
- Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Nottingham, United Kingdom; University of Nottingham, Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Marcel Jimenez
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain.
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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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Wang H, Huo R, He K, Cheng L, Zhang S, Yu M, Zhao W, Li H, Xue J. Perineural invasion in colorectal cancer: mechanisms of action and clinical relevance. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:1-17. [PMID: 37610689 PMCID: PMC10899381 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00857-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, the significance of the nervous system in the tumor microenvironment has gained increasing attention. The bidirectional communication between nerves and cancer cells plays a critical role in tumor initiation and progression. Perineural invasion (PNI) occurs when tumor cells invade the nerve sheath and/or encircle more than 33% of the nerve circumference. PNI is a common feature in various malignancies and is associated with tumor invasion, metastasis, cancer-related pain, and unfavorable clinical outcomes. The colon and rectum are highly innervated organs, and accumulating studies support PNI as a histopathologic feature of colorectal cancer (CRC). Therefore, it is essential to investigate the role of nerves in CRC and comprehend the mechanisms of PNI to impede tumor progression and improve patient survival. CONCLUSION This review elucidates the clinical significance of PNI, summarizes the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, introduces various experimental models suitable for studying PNI, and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting this phenomenon. By delving into the intricate interactions between nerves and tumor cells, we hope this review can provide valuable insights for the future development of CRC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Ruixue Huo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Kexin He
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Li Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China
| | - Shan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China
| | - Minhao Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200217, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China.
| | - Hui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P.R. China.
| | - Junli Xue
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, P.R. China.
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Bele T, Turk T, Križaj I. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in cancer: Limitations and prospects. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166875. [PMID: 37673358 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166875] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) have long been considered to solely mediate neurotransmission. However, their widespread distribution in the human body suggests a more diverse physiological role. Additionally, the expression of nAChRs is increased in certain cancers, such as lung cancer, and has been associated with cell proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition, angiogenesis and apoptosis prevention. Several compounds that interact with these receptors have been identified as potential therapeutic agents. They have been tested as drugs for treating nicotine addiction, alcoholism, depression, pain and Alzheimer's disease. This review focuses on nAChR-mediated signalling in cancer, presenting opportunities for the development of innovative nAChR-based anticancer drugs. It displays the differences in expression of each nAChR subunit between normal and cancer cells for selected cancer types, highlighting their possible involvement in specific cases. Antagonists of nAChRs that could complement existing cancer therapies are summarised and critically discussed. We hope that this review will stimulate further research on the role of nAChRs in cancer potentially leading to innovative cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Bele
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Vrazov trg 2, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - T Turk
- Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - I Križaj
- Department of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova 39, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Pyun H, Gunathilake M, Lee J, Choi IJ, Kim YI, Sung J, Kim J. Functional Annotation and Gene Set Analysis of Gastric Cancer Risk Loci in a Korean Population. Cancer Res Treat 2024; 56:191-198. [PMID: 37340842 PMCID: PMC10789951 DOI: 10.4143/crt.2022.958] [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: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to identify the associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with gastric cancer (GC) risk by genome-wide association study (GWAS) and to explore the pathway enrichment of implicated genes and gene-sets with expression patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study population was comprised of 1,253 GC cases and 4,827 controls from National Cancer Center and an urban community of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study and their genotyping was performed. SNPs were annotated, and mapped to genes to prioritize by three mapping approaches by functional mapping and annotation (FUMA). The gene-based analysis and gene-set analysis were conducted with full GWAS summary data using MAGMA. Gene-set pathway enrichment test with those prioritized genes were performed. RESULTS In GWAS, rs2303771, a nonsynonymous variant of KLHDC4 gene was top SNP associated significantly with GC (odds ratio, 2.59; p=1.32×10-83). In post-GWAS, 71 genes were prioritized. In gene-based GWAS, seven genes were under significant p < 3.80×10-6 (0.05/13,114); DEFB108B had the lowest p=5.94×10-15, followed by FAM86C1 (p=1.74×10-14), PSCA (p=1.81×10-14), and KLHDC4 (p=5.00×10-10). In gene prioritizing, KLDHC4 was the only gene mapped with all three gene-mapping approaches. In pathway enrichment test with prioritized genes, FOLR2, PSCA, LY6K, LYPD2, and LY6E showed strong enrichment related to cellular component of membrane; a post-translation modification by synthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored proteins pathway. CONCLUSION While 37 SNPs were significantly associated with the risk of GC, genes involved in signaling pathways related to purine metabolism and GPI-anchored protein in cell membrane are pinpointed to be playing important role in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyojin Pyun
- Division of Genome and Health Big Data, Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul,
Korea
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Madhawa Gunathilake
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Jeonghee Lee
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Il Ju Choi
- Center for Gastric Cancer, National Cancer Center Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Young-Il Kim
- Center for Gastric Cancer, National Cancer Center Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang,
Korea
| | - Joohon Sung
- Division of Genome and Health Big Data, Department of Public Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, Seoul National University, Seoul,
Korea
- Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Jeongseon Kim
- Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, Goyang,
Korea
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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Nguyen TM, Ngoc DTM, Choi JH, Lee CH. Unveiling the Neural Environment in Cancer: Exploring the Role of Neural Circuit Players and Potential Therapeutic Strategies. Cells 2023; 12:1996. [PMID: 37566075 PMCID: PMC10417274 DOI: 10.3390/cells12151996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The regulation of the immune environment within the tumor microenvironment has provided new opportunities for cancer treatment. However, an important microenvironment surrounding cancer that is often overlooked despite its significance in cancer progression is the neural environment surrounding the tumor. The release of neurotrophic factors from cancer cells is implicated in cancer growth and metastasis by facilitating the infiltration of nerve cells into the tumor microenvironment. This nerve-tumor interplay can elicit cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in response to neurotransmitters. Moreover, it is possible that cancer cells could establish a network resembling that of neurons, allowing them to communicate with one another through neurotransmitters. The expression levels of players in the neural circuits of cancers could serve as potential biomarkers for cancer aggressiveness. Notably, the upregulation of certain players in the neural circuit has been linked to poor prognosis in specific cancer types such as breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, basal cell carcinoma, and stomach cancer. Targeting these players with inhibitors holds great potential for reducing the morbidity and mortality of these carcinomas. However, the efficacy of anti-neurogenic agents in cancer therapy remains underexplored, and further research is necessary to evaluate their effectiveness as a novel approach for cancer treatment. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of players in the neural circuits of cancers and the potential of anti-neurogenic agents for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Minh Nguyen
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (T.M.N.); (D.T.M.N.)
| | - Dinh Thi Minh Ngoc
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (T.M.N.); (D.T.M.N.)
| | - Jung-Hye Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hoon Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Dongguk University, Goyang 10326, Republic of Korea; (T.M.N.); (D.T.M.N.)
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12
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Woo HT, Jeong SY, Shin A. The association between prescription drugs and colorectal cancer prognosis: a nationwide cohort study using a medication-wide association study. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:643. [PMID: 37430209 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11105-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the availability of health insurance claim data, pharmacovigilance for various drugs has been suggested; however, it is necessary to establish an appropriate analysis method. To detect unintended drug effects and to generate new hypotheses, we conducted a hypothesis-free study to systematically examine the relationship between all prescription nonanticancer drugs and the mortality of colorectal cancer patients. METHODS We used the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort database. A total of 2,618 colorectal cancer patients diagnosed between 2004 and 2015 were divided into drug discovery and drug validation sets (1:1) through random sampling. Drugs were classified using the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system: 76 drugs classified as ATC level 2 and 332 drugs classified as ATC level 4 were included in the analysis. We used a Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for sex, age, colorectal cancer treatment, and comorbidities. The relationship between all prescription nonanticancer drugs and the mortality of colorectal cancer patients was analyzed, controlling for multiple comparisons with the false discovery rate. RESULTS We found that one ATC level-2 drug (drugs that act on the nervous system, including parasympathomimetics, addictive disorder drugs, and antivertigo drugs) showed a protective effect related to colorectal cancer prognosis. At the ATC level 4 classification, 4 drugs were significant: two had a protective effect (anticholinesterases and opioid anesthetics), and the other two had a detrimental effect (magnesium compounds and Pregnen [4] derivatives). CONCLUSIONS In this hypothesis-free study, we identified four drugs linked to colorectal cancer prognosis. The MWAS method can be useful in real-world data analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Taek Woo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, 1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Dalseo- gu, Daegu, 42601, Korea.
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Seung-Yong Jeong
- Department of Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Aesun Shin
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
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13
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Li S, Chen X, Chen J, Wu B, Liu J, Guo Y, Li M, Pu X. Multi-omics integration analysis of GPCRs in pan-cancer to uncover inter-omics relationships and potential driver genes. Comput Biol Med 2023; 161:106988. [PMID: 37201441 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.106988] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest drug target family. Unfortunately, applications of GPCRs in cancer therapy are scarce due to very limited knowledge regarding their correlations with cancers. Multi-omics data enables systematic investigations of GPCRs, yet their effective integration remains a challenge due to the complexity of the data. Here, we adopt two types of integration strategies, multi-staged and meta-dimensional approaches, to fully characterize somatic mutations, somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs), DNA methylations, and mRNA expressions of GPCRs in 33 cancers. Results from the multi-staged integration reveal that GPCR mutations cannot well predict expression dysregulation. The correlations between expressions and SCNAs are primarily positive, while correlations of the methylations with expressions and SCNAs are bimodal with negative correlations predominating. Based on these correlations, 32 and 144 potential cancer-related GPCRs driven by aberrant SCNA and methylation are identified, respectively. In addition, the meta-dimensional integration analysis is carried out by using deep learning models, which predict more than one hundred GPCRs as potential oncogenes. When comparing results between the two integration strategies, 165 cancer-related GPCRs are common in both, suggesting that they should be prioritized in future studies. However, 172 GPCRs emerge in only one, indicating that the two integration strategies should be considered concurrently to complement the information missed by the other such that obtain a more comprehensive understanding. Finally, correlation analysis further reveals that GPCRs, in particular for the class A and adhesion receptors, are generally immune-related. In a whole, the work is for the first time to reveal the associations between different omics layers and highlight the necessity of combing the two strategies in identifying cancer-related GPCRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Li
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
| | - Jianfang Chen
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
| | - Binjian Wu
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
| | - Jing Liu
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
| | - Yanzhi Guo
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
| | - Menglong Li
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
| | - Xuemei Pu
- College of Chemistry, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
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14
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Lobbes LA, Schütze MA, Droeser R, Arndt M, Pozios I, Lauscher JC, Hering NA, Weixler B. Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor M3 Expression and Survival in Human Colorectal Carcinoma-An Unexpected Correlation to Guide Future Treatment? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098198. [PMID: 37175905 PMCID: PMC10179005 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M3 (M3R) has repeatedly been shown to be prominently expressed in human colorectal cancer (CRC), playing roles in proliferation and cell invasion. Its therapeutic targetability has been suggested in vitro and in animal models. We aimed to investigate the clinical role of MR3 expression in CRC for human survival. Surgical tissue samples from 754 CRC patients were analyzed for high or low immunohistochemical M3R expression on a clinically annotated tissue microarray (TMA). Immunohistochemical analysis was performed for established immune cell markers (CD8, TIA-1, FOXP3, IL 17, CD16 and OX 40). We used Kaplan-Meier curves to evaluate patients' survival and multivariate Cox regression analysis to evaluate prognostic significance. High M3R expression was associated with increased survival in multivariate (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.35-0.78; p = 0.001) analysis, as was TIA-1 expression (HR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.94-0.99; p = 0.014). Tumors with high M3R expression were significantly more likely to be grade 2 compared to tumors with low M3R expression (85.7% vs. 67.1%, p = 0.002). The 5-year survival analysis showed a trend of a higher survival rate in patients with high M3R expression (46%) than patients with low M3R expression CRC (42%) (p = 0.073). In contrast to previous in vitro and animal model findings, this study demonstrates an increased survival for CRC patients with high M3R expression. This evidence is highly relevant for translation of basic research findings into clinically efficient treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonard A Lobbes
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcel A Schütze
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Raoul Droeser
- Clarunis, Department of Visceral Surgery, University Centre for Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, St. Clara Hospital and University Hospital Basel, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marco Arndt
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ioannis Pozios
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes C Lauscher
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina A Hering
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Weixler
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany
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15
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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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16
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Hodgkin Lymphoma Cell Lines and Tissues Express mGluR5: A Potential Link to Ophelia Syndrome and Paraneoplastic Neurological Disease. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040606. [PMID: 36831273 PMCID: PMC9953995 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040606] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ophelia syndrome is characterized by the coincidence of severe neuropsychiatric symptoms, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, and the presence of antibodies to the metabotropic glutamate 5 receptor (mGluR5). Little is known about the pathogenetic link between these symptoms and the role that anti-mGluR5-antibodies play. We investigated lymphoma tissue from patients with Ophelia syndrome and with isolated classical Hodgkin lymphoma by quantitative immunocytochemistry for mGluR5-expression. Further, we studied the L-1236, L-428, L-540, SUP-HD1, KM-H2, and HDLM-2 classical Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines by FACS and Western blot for mGluR5-expression, and by transcriptome analysis. mGluR5 surface expression differed significantly in terms of receptor density, distribution pattern, and percentage of positive cells. The highest expression levels were found in the L-1236 line. RNA-sequencing revealed more than 800 genes that were higher expressed in the L-1236 line in comparison to the other classical Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines. High mGluR5-expression was associated with upregulation of PI3K/AKT and MAPK pathways and of downstream targets (e.g., EGR1) known to be involved in classical Hodgkin lymphoma progression. Finally, mGluR5 expression was increased in the classical Hodgkin lymphoma-tissue of our Ophelia syndrome patient in contrast to five classical Hodgkin lymphoma-patients without autoimmune encephalitis. Given the association of encephalitis and classical Hodgkin lymphoma in Ophelia syndrome, it is possible that mGluR5-expression in classical Hodgkin lymphoma cells not only drives tumor progression but also triggers anti-mGluR5 encephalitis even before classical Hodgkin lymphoma becomes manifest.
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17
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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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18
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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:ijms24010596. [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] [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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19
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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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20
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Lv J, Jia H, Mo M, Yuan J, Wu Z, Zhang S, Zhe F, Gu B, Fan B, Li C, Zhang T, Zhu J. Changes of serum metabolites levels during neoadjuvant chemoradiation and prediction of the pathological response in locally advanced rectal cancer. Metabolomics 2022; 18:99. [PMID: 36441416 DOI: 10.1007/s11306-022-01959-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Previous studies have explored prediction value of serum metabolites in neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NCRT) response for rectal cancer. To date, limited literature is available for serum metabolome changes dynamically through NCRT. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to explore temporal change pattern of serum metabolites during NCRT, and potential metabolic biomarkers to predict the pathological response to NCRT in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients. METHODS Based on dynamic UHPLC-QTOF-MS untargeted metabolomics design, this study included 106 LARC patients treated with NCRT. Biological samples of the enrolled patients were collected in five consecutive time-points. Untargeted metabolomics was used to profile serum metabolic signatures from LARC patients. Then, we used fuzzy C-means clustering (FCM) to explore temporal change patterns in metabolites cluster and identify monotonously changing metabolites during NCRT. Repeated measure analysis of variance (RM-ANOVA) and multilevel partial least-squares discriminant analysis (ML-PLS-DA) were performed to select metabolic biomarkers. Finally, a panel of dynamic differential metabolites was used to build logistic regression prediction models. RESULTS Metabolite profiles showed a clearly tendency of separation between different follow-up panels. We identified two clusters of 155 serum metabolites with monotonously changing patterns during NCRT (74 decreased metabolites and 81 increased metabolites). Using RM-ANOVA and ML-PLS-DA, 8 metabolites (L-Norleucine, Betaine, Hypoxanthine, Acetylcholine, 1-Hexadecanoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, Glycerophosphocholine, Alpha-ketoisovaleric acid, N-Acetyl-L-alanine) were further identified as dynamic differential biomarkers for predicting NCRT sensitivity. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of prediction model combined with the baseline measurement was 0.54 (95%CI = 0.43 ~ 0.65). By incorporating the variability indexes of 8 dynamic differential metabolites, the prediction model showed better discrimination performance than baseline measurement, with AUC = 0.67 (95%CI 0.57 ~ 0.77), 0.64 (0.53 ~ 0.75), 0.60 (0.50 ~ 0.71), and 0.56 (0.45 ~ 0.67) for the variability index of difference, linear slope, ratio, and standard deviation, respectively. CONCLUSION This study identified eight metabolites as dynamic differential biomarkers to discriminate NCRT-sensitive and resistant patients. The changes of metabolite level during NCRT show better performance in predicting NCRT sensitivity. These findings highlight the clinical significance of metabolites variabilities in metabolomics analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Lv
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huixun Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Statistics Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Miao Mo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Statistics Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Statistics Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenyu Wu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Key Laboratory of Public Health Safety and Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fan Zhe
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bingbing Gu
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Bingbing Fan
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunxia Li
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
- Institute for Medical Dataology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Ji Zhu
- Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China.
- Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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21
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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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22
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Battaglin F, Jayachandran P, Strelez C, Lenz A, Algaze S, Soni S, Lo JH, Yang Y, Millstein J, Zhang W, Roussos Torres ET, Shih JC, Mumenthaler SM, Neman J, Lenz HJ. Neurotransmitter signaling: a new frontier in colorectal cancer biology and treatment. Oncogene 2022; 41:4769-4778. [PMID: 36182970 PMCID: PMC10591256 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02479-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The brain-gut axis, a bidirectional network between the central and enteric nervous system, plays a critical role in modulating the gastrointestinal tract function and homeostasis. Recently, increasing evidence suggests that neuronal signaling molecules can promote gastrointestinal cancers, however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Aberrant expression of neurotransmitter signaling genes in colorectal cancer supports the role of neurotransmitters to stimulate tumor growth and metastatic spread by promoting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. In addition, neurotransmitters can interact with immune and endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment to promote inflammation and tumor progression. As such, pharmacological targeting of neurotransmitter signaling represent a promising novel anticancer approach. Here, we present an overview of the current evidence supporting the role of neurotransmitters in colorectal cancer biology and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Battaglin
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Priya Jayachandran
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Carly Strelez
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Annika Lenz
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sandra Algaze
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shivani Soni
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jae Ho Lo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joshua Millstein
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wu Zhang
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Evanthia T Roussos Torres
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jean C Shih
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shannon M Mumenthaler
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Josh Neman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, USC Brain Tumor Center, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Heinz-Josef Lenz
- Division of Medical Oncology, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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23
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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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24
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Severi I, Abbatelli S, Perugini J, Di Mercurio E, Senzacqua M, Giordano A. Butyrylcholinesterase distribution in the mouse gastrointestinal tract: An immunohistochemical study. J Anat 2022; 242:245-256. [PMID: 36004682 PMCID: PMC9877478 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13754] [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: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is a hydrolytic enzyme that together with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) belongs to the cholinesterase family. Whereas AChE has a well-established role in regulating cholinergic neurotransmission in central and peripheral synapses, the physiological role of BChE remains elusive. In this morphological immunohistochemical and double-label confocal microscopy study we investigated the distribution of BChE in the mouse gastrointestinal tract. BChE-positive cells were detected in the liver (both in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes), in the keratinised layers of the squamous epithelium of the oesophagus and forestomach, in the oxyntic mucosa of the stomach, in the mucus-secreting cells of duodenal Brunner glands and the small and large intestinal mucosa. Interestingly, BChE-positive cells were often detected close to gastrointestinal proliferative niches. In the oxyntic mucosa, the close proximity of ghrelin-producing and BChE-positive parietal cells suggests that BChE may be involved in ghrelin hydrolysation through paracrine action. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive morphological study performed to gain insight into the physiological role of BChE in the gastrointestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Severi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineMarche Polytechnic UniversityAnconaItaly
| | - Silvia Abbatelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineMarche Polytechnic UniversityAnconaItaly
| | - Jessica Perugini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineMarche Polytechnic UniversityAnconaItaly
| | - Eleonora Di Mercurio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineMarche Polytechnic UniversityAnconaItaly
| | - Martina Senzacqua
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineMarche Polytechnic UniversityAnconaItaly
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Department of Experimental and Clinical MedicineMarche Polytechnic UniversityAnconaItaly
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25
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Larabee SM, Cheng K, Raufman JP, Hu S. Muscarinic receptor activation in colon cancer selectively augments pro-proliferative microRNA-21, microRNA-221 and microRNA-222 expression. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0269618. [PMID: 35657974 PMCID: PMC9165902 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0269618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of M3 subtype muscarinic receptors (M3R) hastens colon cancer progression. As microRNA (miRNA) expression is commonly dysregulated in cancer, we used microarrays to examine miRNA profiles in muscarinic receptor agonist-treated human colon cancer cells. We used quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) to validate microarray results and examine miRNA expression in colon cancers and adjacent normal colon. These assays revealed that acetylcholine (ACh) treatment robustly induced miR-222 expression; miR-222 levels were three-fold higher in cancer compared to normal colon. In kinetic studies, ACh induced a 4.6-fold increase in pri-miR-222 levels within 1 h, while mature miR-222 increased gradually to 1.8-fold within 4 h. To identify post-M3R signaling mediating these actions, we used chemical inhibitors and agonists. ACh-induced increases in pri-miR-222 were attenuated by pre-incubating cells with atropine and inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC) and p38 MAPK. Treatment with a PKC agonist, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, increased pri-miR-222 levels, an effect blocked by PKC and p38 MAPK inhibitors, but not by atropine. Notably, treatment with ACh or transfection with miR-222 mimics increased cell proliferation; atropine blocked the effects of ACh but not miR-222. These findings identify a novel mechanism whereby post-M3R PKC/p38 MAPK signaling stimulates miR-222 expression and colon cancer cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon M. Larabee
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kunrong Cheng
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jean-Pierre Raufman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Shien Hu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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26
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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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27
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Li H, Su YS, He W, Zhang JB, Zhang Q, Jing XH, Zhan LB. The nonneuronal cholinergic system in the colon: A comprehensive review. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22165. [PMID: 35174565 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101529r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) is found not only in cholinergic nerve termini but also in the nonneuronal cholinergic system (NNCS). ACh is released from cholinergic nerves by vesicular ACh transporter (VAChT), but ACh release from the NNCS is mediated by organic cation transporter (OCT). Recent studies have suggested that components of the NNCS are located in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), crypt-villus organoids, immune cells, intestinal stem cells (ISCs), and vascular endothelial cells (VECs). When ACh enters the interstitial space, its self-modulation or effects on adjacent tissues are part of the range of its biological functions. This review focuses on the current understanding of the mechanisms of ACh synthesis and release in the NNCS. Furthermore, studies on ACh functions in colonic disorders suggest that ACh from the NNCS contributes to immune regulation, IEC and VEC repair, ISC differentiation, colonic movement, and colonic tumor development. As indicated by the features of some colonic disorders, ACh and the NNCS have positive and negative effects on these disorders. Furthermore, the NNCS is located in multiple colonic organs, and the specific effects and cross-talk involving ACh from the NNCS in different colonic tissues are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Li
- Changzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, China.,Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang-Shuai Su
- Research Center of Meridians, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei He
- Research Center of Meridians, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Bin Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Changzhou TCM Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Hong Jing
- Research Center of Meridians, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Bin Zhan
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, China
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28
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Zhang L, Yang L, Jiang S, Yu M. Nerve Dependence in Colorectal Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:766653. [PMID: 35223829 PMCID: PMC8866866 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.766653] [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: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancerous invasion of nerves has been reported in a list of malignant tumors as a high-risk pathological feature and marker of poor disease outcome especially in neurotrophic cancers (such as in pancreas and prostate), indicating that although once neglected, nerves could have played a pivotal role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. In colorectal cancer, perineural invasion, a specific form of tumor-nerve interaction referring to the identification of tumor cells in proximity to the nerve, has been recognized as a strong and independent prognosis predictor; denervation of autonomic nerves and enteric nerves have shown that the existence of these nerves in the gut are accompanied by promoted cancer proliferation, further supporting that nerve is a potential accomplice to shield and nurture tumor cells. However, the precise role of nerve in CRC and the pattern of interaction between CRC cells and nerve has not been unveiled yet. Here we aim to review some basic knowledge of the importance of nerves in CRC and attempt to depict a mechanistic view of tumor-nerve interaction during CRC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lincheng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ludi Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuheng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Minhao Yu, ; Shuheng Jiang,
| | - Minhao Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Minhao Yu, ; Shuheng Jiang,
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29
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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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30
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Tolaymat M, Sundel MH, Alizadeh M, Xie G, Raufman JP. Potential Role for Combined Subtype-Selective Targeting of M 1 and M 3 Muscarinic Receptors in Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:786105. [PMID: 34803723 PMCID: PMC8600121 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.786105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite structural similarity, the five subtypes comprising the cholinergic muscarinic family of G protein-coupled receptors regulate remarkably diverse biological functions. This mini review focuses on the closely related and commonly co-expressed M1R and M3R muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtypes encoded respectively by CHRM1 and CHRM3. Activated M1R and M3R signal via Gq and downstream initiate phospholipid turnover, changes in cell calcium levels, and activation of protein kinases that alter gene transcription and ultimately cell function. The unexpectedly divergent effects of M1R and M3R activation, despite similar receptor structure, distribution, and signaling, are puzzling. To explore this conundrum, we focus on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and liver because abundant data identify opposing effects of M1R and M3R activation on the progression of gastric, pancreatic, and colon cancer, and liver injury and fibrosis. Whereas M3R activation promotes GI neoplasia, M1R activation appears protective. In contrast, in murine liver injury models, M3R activation promotes and M1R activation mitigates liver fibrosis. We analyze these findings critically, consider their therapeutic implications, and review the pharmacology and availability for research and therapeutics of M1R and M3R-selective agonists and antagonists. We conclude by considering gaps in knowledge and other factors that hinder the application of these drugs and the development of new agents to treat GI and liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen Tolaymat
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Margaret H Sundel
- Department of Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Madeline Alizadeh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Guofeng Xie
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jean-Pierre Raufman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,VA Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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31
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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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32
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Abstract
The enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a serine hydrolase whose primary function is to degrade acetylcholine (ACh) and terminate neurotransmission. Apart from its role in synaptic transmission, AChE has several "non-classical" functions in non-neuronal cells. AChE is involved in cellular growth, apoptosis, drug resistance pathways, response to stress signals and inflammation. The observation that the functional activity of AChE is altered in human tumors (relative to adjacent matched normal tissue) has raised several intriguing questions about its role in the pathophysiology of human cancers. Published reports show that AChE is a vital regulator of oncogenic signaling pathways involving proliferation, differentiation, cell-cell adhesion, migration, invasion and metastasis of primary tumors. The objective of this book chapter is to provide a comprehensive overview of the contributions of the AChE-signaling pathway in the growth of progression of human cancers. The AChE isoforms, AChE-T, AChE-R and AChE-S are robustly expressed in human cancer cell lines as well in human tumors (isolated from patients). Traditionally, AChE-modulators have been used in the clinic for treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Emerging studies reveal that these drugs could be repurposed for the treatment of human cancers. The discovery of potent, selective AChE ligands will provide new knowledge about AChE-regulatory pathways in human cancers and foster the hope of novel therapies for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Richbart
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Toxicology Research Cluster, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Justin C Merritt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Toxicology Research Cluster, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States
| | - Nicholas A Nolan
- West Virginia University Medical School, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - Piyali Dasgupta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Toxicology Research Cluster, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, United States.
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33
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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: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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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Arang N, Gutkind JS. G Protein-Coupled receptors and heterotrimeric G proteins as cancer drivers. FEBS Lett 2021; 594:4201-4232. [PMID: 33270228 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and heterotrimeric G proteins play central roles in a diverse array of cellular processes. As such, dysregulation of GPCRs and their coupled heterotrimeric G proteins can dramatically alter the signalling landscape and functional state of a cell. Consistent with their fundamental physiological functions, GPCRs and their effector heterotrimeric G proteins are implicated in some of the most prevalent human diseases, including a complex disease such as cancer that causes significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. GPCR/G protein-mediated signalling impacts oncogenesis at multiple levels by regulating tumour angiogenesis, immune evasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. Here, we summarize the growing body of research on GPCRs and their effector heterotrimeric G proteins as drivers of cancer initiation and progression, and as emerging antitumoural therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Arang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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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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Ten Hove AS, Seppen J, de Jonge WJ. Neuronal innervation of the intestinal crypt. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 320:G193-G205. [PMID: 33296267 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00239.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal damage is a key feature of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and healing of the mucosa is an endpoint of IBD treatment that is often difficult to achieve. Autonomic neurons of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system may influence intestinal epithelial cell growth and modulating epithelial innervation could for that reason serve as an interesting therapeutic option to improve mucosal healing. Understanding of the biological processes triggered by nonspecific and specific epithelial adrenergic and cholinergic receptor activation is of key importance. At present, with rising technological advances, bioelectronic neuromodulation as treatment modality has gained momentum. We discuss the current view on state-of-the-art innervation of the intestinal crypt and its impact on epithelial cell growth and differentiation. Furthermore, we outline bioelectronic technology and review its relevance to wound healing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne S Ten Hove
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Seppen
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter J de Jonge
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Ali O, Tolaymat M, Hu S, Xie G, Raufman JP. Overcoming Obstacles to Targeting Muscarinic Receptor Signaling in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020716. [PMID: 33450835 PMCID: PMC7828259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite great advances in our understanding of the pathobiology of colorectal cancer and the genetic and environmental factors that mitigate its onset and progression, a paucity of effective treatments persists. The five-year survival for advanced, stage IV disease remains substantially less than 20%. This review examines a relatively untapped reservoir of potential therapies to target muscarinic receptor expression, activation, and signaling in colorectal cancer. Most colorectal cancers overexpress M3 muscarinic receptors (M3R), and both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that activating these receptors stimulates cellular programs that result in colon cancer growth, survival, and spread. In vivo studies using mouse models of intestinal neoplasia have shown that using either genetic or pharmacological approaches to block M3R expression and activation, respectively, attenuates the development and progression of colon cancer. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that blocking the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that are induced selectively by M3R activation, i.e., MMP1 and MMP7, also impedes colon cancer growth and progression. Nonetheless, the widespread expression of muscarinic receptors and MMPs and their importance for many cellular functions raises important concerns about off-target effects and the safety of employing similar strategies in humans. As we highlight in this review, highly selective approaches can overcome these obstacles and permit clinicians to exploit the reliance of colon cancer cells on muscarinic receptors and their downstream signal transduction pathways for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osman Ali
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA 21201, USA; (O.A.); (M.T.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
| | - Mazen Tolaymat
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA 21201, USA; (O.A.); (M.T.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
| | - Shien Hu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA 21201, USA; (O.A.); (M.T.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MA 21201, USA
| | - Guofeng Xie
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA 21201, USA; (O.A.); (M.T.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MA 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA 21201, USA
| | - Jean-Pierre Raufman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA 21201, USA; (O.A.); (M.T.); (S.H.); (G.X.)
- Veterans Affairs Maryland Healthcare System, Baltimore, MA 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA 21201, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA 21201, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-328-8728
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The Emerging Role of Nerves and Glia in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13010152. [PMID: 33466373 PMCID: PMC7796331 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The influence of nerves on different types of cancers, including colorectal cancer, is increasingly recognized. The intestines are highly innervated, both from outside the intestines (extrinsic innervation) and by a nervous system of their own; the enteric nervous system (intrinsic innervation). Nerves and cancer cells have been described to communicate with each other, although the exact mechanism in colorectal cancer is not yet explored. Nerves can enhance cancer progression by secreting signaling molecules, and cancer cells are capable of stimulating nerve growth. This review summarizes the innervation of the intestines and current knowledge on the role of the nervous system in colorectal cancer. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of these new insights is discussed. Abstract The role of the nervous system as a contributor in the tumor microenvironment has been recognized in different cancer types, including colorectal cancer (CRC). The gastrointestinal tract is a highly innervated organ system, which is not only innervated by the autonomic nervous system, but also contains an extensive nervous system of its own; the enteric nervous system (ENS). The ENS is important for gut function and homeostasis by regulating processes such as fluid absorption, blood flow, and gut motility. Dysfunction of the ENS has been linked with multiple gastrointestinal diseases, such as Hirschsprung disease and inflammatory bowel disease, and even with neurodegenerative disorders. How the extrinsic and intrinsic innervation of the gut contributes to CRC is not fully understood, although a mutual relationship between cancer cells and nerves has been described. Nerves enhance cancer progression through the secretion of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, and cancer cells are capable of stimulating nerve growth. This review summarizes and discusses the nervous system innervation of the gastrointestinal tract and how it can influence carcinogenesis, and vice versa. Lastly, the therapeutic potential of these novel insights is discussed.
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Pfitzinger PL, Fangmann L, Wang K, Demir E, Gürlevik E, Fleischmann-Mundt B, Brooks J, D'Haese JG, Teller S, Hecker A, Jesinghaus M, Jäger C, Ren L, Istvanffy R, Kühnel F, Friess H, Ceyhan GO, Demir IE. Indirect cholinergic activation slows down pancreatic cancer growth and tumor-associated inflammation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:289. [PMID: 33357230 PMCID: PMC7758936 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01796-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background Nerve-cancer interactions are increasingly recognized to be of paramount importance for the emergence and progression of pancreatic cancer (PCa). Here, we investigated the role of indirect cholinergic activation on PCa progression through inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) via clinically available AChE-inhibitors, i.e. physostigmine and pyridostigmine. Methods We applied immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, MTT-viability, invasion, flow-cytometric-cell-cycle-assays, phospho-kinase arrays, multiplex ELISA and xenografted mice to assess the impact of AChE inhibition on PCa cell growth and invasiveness, and tumor-associated inflammation. Survival analyses were performed in a novel genetically-induced, surgically-resectable mouse model of PCa under adjuvant treatment with gemcitabine+/−physostigmine/pyridostigmine (n = 30 mice). Human PCa specimens (n = 39) were analyzed for the impact of cancer AChE expression on tumor stage and survival. Results We discovered a strong expression of AChE in cancer cells of human PCa specimens. Inhibition of this cancer-cell-intrinsic AChE via pyridostigmine and physostigmine, or administration of acetylcholine (ACh), diminished PCa cell viability and invasion in vitro and in vivo via suppression of pERK signaling, and reduced tumor-associated macrophage (TAM) infiltration and serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. In the novel genetically-induced, surgically-resectable PCa mouse model, adjuvant co-therapy with AChE blockers had no impact on survival. Accordingly, survival of resected PCa patients did not differ based on tumor AChE expression levels. Patients with higher-stage PCa also exhibited loss of the ACh-synthesizing enzyme, choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT), in their nerves. Conclusion For future clinical trials of PCa, direct cholinergic stimulation of the muscarinic signaling, rather than indirect activation via AChE blockade, may be a more effective strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo L Pfitzinger
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Fangmann
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Kun Wang
- Key laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Hepatic, Biliary & Pancreatic Surgery, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100710, China
| | - Elke Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Engin Gürlevik
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bettina Fleischmann-Mundt
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jennifer Brooks
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan G D'Haese
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplantation Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Teller
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Hecker
- Department of General and Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Moritz Jesinghaus
- Institute of Pathology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Jäger
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Lei Ren
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Department of General Surgery (Gastrointestinal Surgery), The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Rouzanna Istvanffy
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Kühnel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helmut Friess
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.,CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany
| | - Güralp Onur Ceyhan
- Department of General Surgery, HPB-Unit, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Surgery, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675, Munich, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany. .,CRC 1321 Modelling and Targeting Pancreatic Cancer, Munich, Germany. .,Department of General Surgery, HPB-Unit, School of Medicine, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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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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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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Reynolds BA, Oli MW, Oli MK. Eco-oncology: Applying ecological principles to understand and manage cancer. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:8538-8553. [PMID: 32884638 PMCID: PMC7452771 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease of single cells that expresses itself at the population level. The striking similarities between initiation and growth of tumors and dynamics of biological populations, and between metastasis and ecological invasion and community dynamics suggest that oncology can benefit from an ecological perspective to improve our understanding of cancer biology. Tumors can be viewed as complex, adaptive, and evolving systems as they are spatially and temporally heterogeneous, continually interacting with each other and with the microenvironment and evolving to increase the fitness of the cancer cells. We argue that an eco-evolutionary perspective is essential to understand cancer biology better. Furthermore, we suggest that ecologically informed therapeutic approaches that combine standard of care treatments with strategies aimed at decreasing the evolutionary potential and fitness of neoplastic cells, such as disrupting cell-to-cell communication and cooperation, and preventing successful colonization of distant organs by migrating cancer cells, may be effective in managing cancer as a chronic condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent A. Reynolds
- Department of NeurosurgeryCollege of MedicineUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Monika W. Oli
- Department of Microbiology and Cell ScienceInstitute of Food and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
| | - Madan K. Oli
- Department of Wildlife Ecology and ConservationInstitute of Food and Agricultural SciencesUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFLUSA
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Siddiqui SZ, Arfan M, Abbasi MA, Aziz‐ur‐Rehman, Shah SAA, Ashraf M, Hussain S, Saleem RSZ, Rafique R, Khan KM. Discovery of Dual Inhibitors of Acetyl and Butrylcholinesterase and Antiproliferative Activity of 1,2,4‐Triazole‐3‐thiol: Synthesis and In Silico Molecular Study. ChemistrySelect 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/slct.201904905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Muhammad Arfan
- Department of ChemistryGovernment College University Lahore 54000 Pakistan
| | | | - Aziz‐ur‐Rehman
- Department of ChemistryGovernment College University Lahore 54000 Pakistan
| | - Syed Adnan Ali Shah
- Faculty of Pharmacy & Atta-ur-Rahman Institute for Natural Products Discovery (AuRIns) Level 9, FF3, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam Campus 42300 Bandar Puncak Alam Selangor Darul Ehsan Malaysia
| | - Muhammad Ashraf
- Department of ChemistryThe Islamia University of Bahawalpur Bahawalpur 63100 Pakistan
| | - Safdar Hussain
- Department of ChemistryThe Islamia University of Bahawalpur Bahawalpur 63100 Pakistan
| | - Rahman Shah Zaib Saleem
- Department of Chemistry & Chemical EngineeringSBA School of Sciences & EngineeringLahore University of Management Sciences Opposite Sector-U, DHA, Lahore 54792 Lahore Pakistan
| | - Rafaila Rafique
- H. E. J. Research Institute of ChemistryInternational Center for Chemical and Biological SciencesUniversity of Karachi Karachi 75270 PakistanE-Mail
| | - Khalid Mohammed Khan
- H. E. J. Research Institute of ChemistryInternational Center for Chemical and Biological SciencesUniversity of Karachi Karachi 75270 PakistanE-Mail
- Department of Clinical PharmacyInstitute for Research and Medical Consultations (IRMC)Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University P.O. Box 1982 Dammam 31441 Saudi Arabia
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Bautista M, Krishnan A. The Autonomic Regulation of Tumor Growth and the Missing Links. Front Oncol 2020; 10:744. [PMID: 32477953 PMCID: PMC7237572 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence now indicates that peripheral nerves and solid tumors mutually support the growth of each other. Tumor-derived molecular cues guide nerve infiltration to the tumor milieu, while the tumor-infiltrating nerves provide molecular support to promote tumor growth and dissemination. In this mini-review, we discuss the unique roles of sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. The contribution of adrenergic and cholinergic signals, the specific receptors involved, and the downstream molecular links in both cancer cells and stromal cells are discussed for their intrinsic capacity to modulate tumor growth. We identified unappreciated niche areas in the field, an investigation of which are critical to filling the knowledge gap in understanding the biology of neuromodulation of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricris Bautista
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre (CMSNRC), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Anand Krishnan
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.,Cameco MS Neuroscience Research Centre (CMSNRC), University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
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46
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Godlewski J, Kmiec Z. Colorectal Cancer Invasion and Atrophy of the Enteric Nervous System: Potential Feedback and Impact on Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3391. [PMID: 32403316 PMCID: PMC7247003 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) invasion within the large intestine wall results in the replacement of normal tissue architecture by tumour mass. Cancer cells digest the extracellular matrix (ECM) by the release of proteolytic enzymes. The disintegration of matrix ground substance activates several deposited growth factors which stimulate cell proliferation. Stromal (mainly fibroblasts), immune and cancer cells dominate in this area and become involved in a network of multimodal interactions which significantly induce proliferation of colon cancer cells, inhibit their apoptosis and promote their spreading within the local tumour microenvironment. Cancer invasion destroys nerve fibres and neurons of the local enteric nervous system (ENS) and induces subsequent atrophy of the submucosal and myenteric plexuses in areas adjacent to the cancer boundary. Interestingly, the reduction of plexuses' size is accompanied by the increased number of galanin-immunoreactive neurons and increased galanin content in parts of the colon located close to the tumour. Galanin, a neuroprotective peptide, may inhibit the extrinsic pathway of apoptosis and in this way promote cancer cell survival. The possible role of acetylcholine and some ENS neuropeptides was also discussed. Invasion of cancer cells spreads along nerve fibres with the involvement of locally-released neutrophins which promote, via their specific receptors, cancer cell proliferation and pro-survival signalling pathways. Thus, during CRC development cancer cells and neurons of the ENS release many neurotransmitters/neuropeptides which affect key cellular signalling pathways promoting cancer cell proliferation and pro-survival phenotype. The multiple interactions between ENS neurons, cancer cells and other cell types present in the colon wall increase cancer cell invasiveness and have a negative impact on the course of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janusz Godlewski
- Department of Human Histology and Embryology, Collegium Medicum, School of Medicine, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-082 Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Kmiec
- Department of Histology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland;
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47
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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: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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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Proquin H, Jonkhout MCM, Jetten MJ, van Loveren H, de Kok TM, Briedé JJ. Transcriptome changes in undifferentiated Caco-2 cells exposed to food-grade titanium dioxide (E171): contribution of the nano- and micro- sized particles. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18287. [PMID: 31797963 PMCID: PMC6893026 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54675-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The food additive titanium dioxide (TiO2), or E171, is a white food colorant. Recent studies showed after E171 ingestion a significantly increased number of colorectal tumours in a colorectal cancer mouse model as well as inflammatory responses and dysregulation of the immune system in the intestine of rats. In the mouse colon, E171 induced gene expression changes related to oxidative stress, impairment of the immune system, activation of signalling and cancer-related processes. E171 comprises nanoparticles (NPs) and microparticles (MPs). Previous in vitro studies showed that E171, NPs and MPs induced oxidative stress responses, DNA damage and micronuclei formation. This study aimed to investigate the relative contribution of the NPs and MPs to effects of E171 at the transcriptome level in undifferentiated Caco-2 cells by genome wide microarray analysis. The results showed that E171, NPs, and MPs induce gene expression changes related to signalling, inflammation, immune system, transport and cancer. At the pathway level, metabolism of proteins with the insulin processing pathway and haemostasis were specific to E171 exposure. The gene expression changes associated with the immune system and inflammation induced by E171, MPs, and NPs suggest the creation of a favourable environment for colon cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héloïse Proquin
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW institute of Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marloes C M Jonkhout
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, box 901 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marlon J Jetten
- Complex Tissue Regeneration (CTR), Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine (MERLN), Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Henk van Loveren
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW institute of Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Theo M de Kok
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW institute of Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jacob J Briedé
- Department of Toxicogenomics, GROW institute of Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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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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Chen J, Cheuk IWY, Shin VY, Kwong A. Acetylcholine receptors: Key players in cancer development. Surg Oncol 2019; 31:46-53. [PMID: 31536927 DOI: 10.1016/j.suronc.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) was first identified as a classic neuromodulator and transmit signals through two subgroups of receptors, namely muscarinic receptors (mAChRs) and nicotinic receptors (nAChRs). Apart from its well-established physiological role in central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), autonomic nervous system and neuromuscular junction, the widely distributed expression of AChRs in different human organs suggests roles in other biological processes in addition to synaptic transmission. Accumulating evidence revealed that cancer cell processes such as proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and even epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) are mediated by overexpression of AChRs in different kinds of tumors. In breast cancer, α7-nAChR and α9-nAChR were reported to be oncogenic. On the other hand, research on the role of mAChRs in breast cancer tumorgenesis is limited and confined to M3 receptor only. Since AChRs distributed in both CNS and PNS even non-neuronal tissues, there is an urgent need for the development of subtype-specific AChR antagonist which inhibits cancer cell progression with minimal intervention on the normal acetylcholine-regulated system within human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Chen
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | | | - Ava Kwong
- Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong; Centre of Cancer Genetics Centre, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital, Hong Kong.
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