1
|
Zhang Z, Lv ZG, Lu M, Li H, Zhou J. Nerve-tumor crosstalk in tumor microenvironment: From tumor initiation and progression to clinical implications. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189121. [PMID: 38796026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189121] [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: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
The autonomic nerve system (ANS) innervates organs and tissues throughout the body and maintains functional balance among various systems. Further investigations have shown that excessive activation of ANS not only causes disruption of homeostasis, but also may promote tumor formation. In addition, the dynamic interaction between nerve and tumor cells in the tumor microenvironment also regulate tumor progression. On the one hand, nerves are passively invaded by tumor cells, that is, perineural invasion (PNI). On the other hand, compared with normal tissues, tumor tissues are subject to more abundant innervation, and nerves can influence tumor progression through regulating tumor proliferation, metastasis and drug resistance. A large number of studies have shown that nerve-tumor crosstalk, including PNI and innervation, is closely related to the prognosis of patients, and contributes to the formation of cancer pain, which significantly deteriorates the quality of life for patients. These findings suggest that nerve-tumor crosstalk represents a potential target for anti-tumor therapies and the management of cancer pain in the future. In this review, we systematically describe the mechanism by which nerve-tumor crosstalk regulates tumorigenesis and progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhen Gang Lv
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Miao Lu
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haifeng Li
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiahua Zhou
- Department of Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Zhongda Hospital Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Li YT, Yuan WZ, Jin WL. Vagus innervation in the gastrointestinal tumor: Current understanding and challenges. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188884. [PMID: 36990250 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The vagus nerve (VN) is the main parasympathetic nerve of the autonomic nervous system. It is widely distributed in the gastrointestinal tract and maintains gastrointestinal homeostasis with the sympathetic nerve under physiological conditions. The VN communicates with various components of the tumor microenvironment to positively and dynamically affect the progression of gastrointestinal tumors (GITs). The intervention in vagus innervation delays GIT progression. Developments in adeno-associated virus vectors, nanotechnology, and in vivo neurobiological techniques have enabled the creation of precisely regulated "tumor neurotherapies". Furthermore, the combination of neurobiological techniques and single cell sequencing may reveal more insights into VN and GIT. The present review aimed to summarize the mechanisms of communication between the VN and the gastrointestinal TME and to explore the potential and challenges of VN-based tumor neurotherapy in GITs.
Collapse
|
5
|
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: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [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.
Collapse
|
6
|
Emerging Roles of the Nervous System in Gastrointestinal Cancer Development. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153722. [PMID: 35954387 PMCID: PMC9367305 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Nerve–cancer cross-talk has increasingly become a focus of the oncology field, particularly in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. The indispensable roles of the nervous system in GI tumorigenesis and malignancy have been dissected by epidemiological, experimental animal and mechanistic data. Herein, we review and integrate recent discoveries linking the nervous system to GI cancer initiation and progression, and focus on the molecular mechanisms by which nerves and neural receptor pathways drive GI malignancy. Abstract Our understanding of the fascinating connection between nervous system and gastrointestinal (GI) tumorigenesis has expanded greatly in recent years. Recent studies revealed that neurogenesis plays an active part in GI tumor initiation and progression. Tumor-driven neurogenesis, as well as neurite outgrowth of the pre-existing peripheral nervous system (PNS), may fuel GI tumor progression via facilitating cancer cell proliferation, chemoresistance, invasion and immune escape. Neurotransmitters and neuropeptides drive the activation of various oncogenic pathways downstream of neural receptors within cancer cells, underscoring the importance of neural signaling pathways in GI tumor malignancy. In addition, neural infiltration also plays an integral role in tumor microenvironments, and contributes to an environment in favor of tumor angiogenesis, immune evasion and invasion. Blockade of tumor innervation via denervation or pharmacological agents may serve as a promising therapeutic strategy against GI tumors. In this review, we summarize recent findings linking the nervous system to GI tumor progression, set the spotlight on the molecular mechanisms by which neural signaling fuels cancer aggressiveness, and highlight the importance of targeting neural mechanisms in GI tumor therapy.
Collapse
|
7
|
Alizadeh M, Schledwitz A, Cheng K, Raufman JP. Mechanistic Clues Provided by Concurrent Changes in the Expression of Genes Encoding the M 1 Muscarinic Receptor, β-Catenin Signaling Proteins, and Downstream Targets in Adenocarcinomas of the Colon. Front Physiol 2022; 13:857563. [PMID: 35370785 PMCID: PMC8966224 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.857563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscarinic receptors (MRs) in the G protein-coupled receptor superfamily are recipients and mediators of parasympathetic neural transmission within the central and enteric nervous systems. MR subtypes, M1R-M5R, encoded by CHRM1-CHRM5, expressed widely throughout the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, modulate a range of critical, highly regulated activities in healthy tissue, including secretion, motility, and cellular renewal. CHRM3/M3R overexpression in colon cancer is associated with increased cell proliferation, metastasis, and a worse outcome, but little is known about the role of the other four muscarinic receptor subtypes. To address this gap in knowledge, we queried the NCI Genomic Data Commons for publicly available TCGA-COAD samples collected from colon tissue. RNA-seq data were collected and processed for all available primary adenocarcinomas paired with adjacent normal colon. In this unbiased analysis, 78 paired samples were assessed using correlation coefficients and univariate linear regressions; gene ontologies were performed on a subset of correlated genes. We detected a consistent pattern of CHRM1 downregulation across colorectal adenocarcinomas. CHRM1 expression levels were positively associated with those for APC and SMAD4, and negatively associated with CTNNB1, the gene for β-catenin, and with coordinate changes in the expression of β-catenin target genes. These findings implicating CHRM1/M1R as an important deterrent of colon cancer development and progression warrant further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Alizadeh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,The Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alyssa Schledwitz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kunrong Cheng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jean-Pierre Raufman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, 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,*Correspondence: Jean-Pierre Raufman,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Evaluation of Inhibitory Antibodies against the Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Type 3 in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11030681. [PMID: 35160133 PMCID: PMC8836427 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11030681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) constitute rare chronic inflammatory biliary diseases which likely comprise genetic, environmental and autoimmune factors. Specific inhibitory (auto-) antibodies against the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor type 3 (mAChR3 auto-ab) may contribute to the pathogenesis of chronic biliary inflammation by modulating mAChR3− mediated signaling. Aims: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and relevance of inhibitory mAChR3 auto-ab (mAChR3inh+ auto-ab) in a large cohort of PBC patients from two independent tertiary centers in Berlin and Leipzig in comparison to a large PSC cohort. Baseline parameters and response rates to standard treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) were characterized with respect to the individual mAChR3 auto-ab status. Methods: In total, the study population comprised 437 PBC patients, 187 PSC patients and 80 healthy controls. Clinical and laboratory baseline characteristics were retrieved from medical records. The response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy after 12 months of treatment was available in 176 PBC and 45 PSC patients. Results: The prevalence of mAChR3inh+ auto-ab was significantly higher among PBC patients (11.2%, 49/437; p = 0.008 vs. healthy controls) and PSC patients (33.6%, 63/187; p < 0.0001 vs. healthy controls) compared to healthy controls (2.5%, 2/80), respectively. PBC patients with mAChR3inh+ auto-ab exhibited significantly higher levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin, which constitute established parameters for PBC risk stratification. Moreover, mAChR3inh+ PBC patients tended to show decreased response rates to UDCA therapy compared to PBC patients without mAChR3inh+ auto-ab (mAChR3− PBC). In contrast, PSC patients with mAChR3inh+ auto-ab showed no significant differences in laboratory findings compared to mAChR3 auto-ab negative (mAChR3−) PSC patients. Conclusion: MAChR3inh+ auto-ab might be involved in the pathogenesis and treatment response of chronic biliary inflammation in patients with PBC but not in patients with PSC.
Collapse
|
9
|
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: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|