β-Adrenoceptor Activation in Breast MCF-10A Cells Induces a Pattern of Catecholamine Production Similar to that of Tumorigenic MCF-7 Cells

Intrinsic ADRB2 inhibition improves CAR-T cell therapy efficacy against prostate cancer

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has shown limited success in patients with solid tumors. Recent in vitro and in vivo data have shown that adrenoceptor beta-2 (ADRB2) is a novel checkpoint receptor that inhibits T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses. To inhibit ADRB2-mediated inhibitory signaling, we downregulated ADRB2 in CAR-T (shβ2-CAR-T) cells via RNA interference, assessed different parameters, and compared them with conventional second-generation CAR-T cells. ADRB2 knockdown CAR-T cells exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against prostate cancer cell lines in vitro, by increasing CD69, CD107a, GzmB, IFN-γ, T-bet, and GLUT-1. In addition, ADRB2 deficiency led to improved proliferation, increased CD8/CD4 T cell ratio, and decreased apoptosis in CAR-T cells. shβ2-CAR-T cells expressed more Bcl-2 and led to the generation of more significant proportions of T central memory cells. Finally, the ZAP-70/NF-κB signaling axis was shown to be responsible for the improved functions of novel CAR-T cells. In tumor-bearing mice, shβ2-CAR-T cells performed better than conventional CAR-T cells in eradicating prostate tumors. The study provides the basis for future clinical and translational CAR-T cell research to focus on adrenergic stress-mediated challenges in the tumor microenvironment of stressed tumors.

YB-1 Targeted by miR-509-3-5p Affects Migration and Invasion of Triple‑Negative Breast Cancer by Regulating Cellular Epithelial‑Mesenchymal Transition

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process is closely linked to metastasis of breast cancer. This article elucidates the role of Y-box binding protein-1 (YB-1) on the migration and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells by regulating EMT, and the related mechanism. The expression data of YB-1 and miR-509-3-5p in TNBC samples and normal samples were downloaded from the GEO database. The proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of TNBC cells were detected by CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, wound-healing assay, transwell assay, and immunoblotting analyses. The targeted binding of YB-1 and miR-509-3-5p was validated by luciferase reporter experiment. A xenograft mouse model was constructed to investigate the influence of the miR-509-3-5p/YB-1 axis on TNBC tumor growth in vivo. YB-1 was overexpressed, while miR-509-3-5p was underexpressed in TNBC tumor tissues and various cell lines. Silencing YB-1 depressed cell viability, proliferation, motility, and EMT in vitro, and miR-509-3-5p upregulation exerted the same effects. YB-1 was targeted by miR-509-3-5p. The suppressive effects on the phenotypes of TNBC cells caused by overexpressed miR-509-3-5p were attenuated by YB-1 upregulation. In addition, miR-509-3-5p overexpression restrained TNBC tumor growth and downregulated the YB-1-mediated EMT process in vivo. YB-1 targeted by miR-509-3-5p affects motility of TNBC cells by regulating cellular EMT.

β2-Adrenoceptor Activation Favor Acquisition of Tumorigenic Properties in Non-Tumorigenic MCF-10A Breast Epithelial Cells

Noradrenaline and adrenaline, and their cognate receptors, are currently accepted to participate in cancer progression. They may also participate in cancer initiation, although their role in this phase is much less explored. The aim of this work was to study the influence of adrenergic stimulation in several processes related to breast cancer carcinogenesis, using several adrenergic agonists in the MCF-10A non-tumorigenic breast cells. Activation of the β-adrenoceptors promoted an epithelial phenotype in MCF-10A cells, revealed by an increased expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin and a decrease in the mesenchymal markers, N-cadherin and vimentin. MCF-10A cell motility and migration were also impaired after the β-adrenoceptors activation. Concomitant with this effect, β-adrenoceptors decrease cell protrusions (lamellipodia and filopodia) while increasing cell adhesion. Activation of the β-adrenoceptors also decreases MCF-10A cell proliferation. When the MCF-10A cells were cultured under low attachment conditions, activation the of β- (likely β2) or of α2-adrenoceptors had protective effects against cell death, suggesting a pro-survival role of these adrenoceptors. Overall, our results showed that, in breast cells, adrenoceptor activation (mainly through β-adrenoceptors) may be a risk factor in breast cancer by inducing some cancer hallmarks, providing a mechanistic explanation for the increase in breast cancer incidences that may be associated with conditions that cause massive adrenergic stimulation, such as stress.

Role of stress in the pathogenesis of cancer (Review)

Stress is a state of disrupted homeostasis, triggered by intrinsic or extrinsic factors, the stressors, which are counteracted by various physiological and behavioural adaptive responses. Stress has been linked to cancer development and incidence for decades; however, epidemiological studies and clinical trials have yielded contradictory results. The present review discusses the effects of stress on cancer development and the various underlying mechanisms. Animal studies have revealed a clear link between stress and cancer progression, revealing molecular, cellular and endocrine processes that are implicated in these effects. Thus, stress hormones, their receptor systems and their intracellular molecular pathways mediate the effects of stress on cancer initiation, progression and the development of metastases. The mechanisms linking stress and cancer progression can either be indirect, mediated by changes in the cancer microenvironment or immune system dysregulation, or direct, through the binding of neuroendocrine stress‑related signalling molecules to cancer cell receptors. Stress affects numerous anti‑ and pro‑cancer immune system components, including host resistance to metastasis, tumour retention and/or immune suppression. Chronic psychological stress through the elevation of catecholamine levels may increase cancer cell death resistance. On the whole, stress is linked to cancer development and incidence, with psychological stressors playing a crucial role. Animal studies have revealed a better link than human ones, with stress‑related hormones influencing tumour development, migration, invasion and cell proliferation. Randomized controlled trials are required to further evaluate the long‑term cancer outcomes of stress and its management.

Psychobiological stress response to a lung cancer diagnosis: a prospective study of patients in Iceland and Sweden

BACKGROUND

A diagnostic work-up leading to a lung cancer diagnosis is a severely stressful experience that may impact tumor progression. Yet, prospective data are scarce on psychological and biological components of stress at the time of lung cancer diagnosis. The aim of this study was to assess pre-to-post diagnosis change in psychological distress and urinary excretion of catecholamines in patients with suspected lung cancer.

METHODS

Participants were 167 patients within the LUCASS study, recruited at referral for suspected lung cancer to University Hospitals in Iceland and Sweden. Patients completed questionnaires on perceived distress (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) before and after diagnosis of lung cancer or a non-malignant origin. A subpopulation of 85 patients also provided overnight urine for catecholamine analysis before and at a median of 24 days after diagnosis but before treatment.

RESULTS

A lung cancer diagnosis was confirmed in 123 (73.7%) patients, with a mean age of 70.1 years. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer experienced a post-diagnosis increase in psychological distress (p = 0.010), while patients with non-malignant lung pathology showed a reduction in distress (p = 0.070). Both urinary epinephrine (p = 0.001) and norepinephrine (p = 0.032) levels were higher before the diagnosis among patients eventually diagnosed with lung cancer compared to those with non-malignant lung pathology. We observed indications of associations between pre-to-post diagnosis changes in perceived distress and changes in urinary catecholamine levels.

CONCLUSION

Receiving a lung cancer diagnosis is associated with an increase in psychological distress, while elevated catecholamine levels are evident already before lung cancer diagnosis.

Challenges in Pharmacological Intervention in Perilipins (PLINs) to Modulate Lipid Droplet Dynamics in Obesity and Cancer

Perilipins (PLINs) are the most abundant proteins in lipid droplets (LD). These LD-associated proteins are responsible for upgrading LD from inert lipid storage structures to fully functional organelles, fundamentally integrated in the lipid metabolism. There are five distinct perilipins (PLIN1-5), each with specific expression patterns and metabolic activation, but all capable of regulating the activity of lipases on LD. This plurality creates a complex orchestrated mechanism that is directly related to the healthy balance between lipogenesis and lipolysis. Given the essential role of PLINs in the modulation of the lipid metabolism, these proteins can become interesting targets for the treatment of lipid-associated diseases. Since reprogrammed lipid metabolism is a recognized cancer hallmark, and obesity is a known risk factor for cancer and other comorbidities, the modulation of PLINs could either improve existing treatments or create new opportunities for the treatment of these diseases. Even though PLINs have not been, so far, directly considered for pharmacological interventions, there are many established drugs that can modulate PLINs activity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the involvement of PLINs in diseases related to lipid metabolism dysregulation and whether PLINs can be viewed as potential therapeutic targets for cancer and obesity.

ß-Adrenoreceptors in Human Cancers

Cancer is the leading cause of death and represents a significant economic burden worldwide. The numbers are constantly growing as a result of increasing life expectancy, toxic environmental factors, and adoption of Western lifestyle. Among lifestyle factors, stress and the related signaling pathways have recently been implicated in the development of tumors. Here we present some epidemiological and preclinical data concerning stress-related activation of the ß-adrenoreceptors (ß-ARs), which contributes to the formation, sequential transformation, and migration of different tumor cell types. We focused our survey on research results for breast and lung cancer, melanoma, and gliomas published in the past five years. Based on the converging evidence, we present a conceptual framework of how cancer cells hijack a physiological mechanism involving ß-ARs toward a positive modulation of their own survival. In addition, we also highlight the potential contribution of ß-AR activation to tumorigenesis and metastasis formation. Finally, we outline the antitumor effects of targeting the ß-adrenergic signaling pathways, methods for which primarily include repurposed ß-blocker drugs. However, we also call attention to the emerging (though as yet largely explorative) method of chemogenetics, which has a great potential in suppressing tumor growth either by selectively modulating neuronal cell groups involved in stress responses affecting cancer cells or by directly manipulating specific (e.g., the ß-AR) receptors on a tumor and its microenvironment.

Narrow Leafed Lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) β-Conglutin Seed Proteins as a New Natural Cytotoxic Agents against Breast Cancer Cells

Breast cancer (BC) is the most widespread tumor in women and the second type of most common cancer worldwide. Despite all the technical and medical advances in existing therapies, between 30 and 50% of patients with BC will develop metastasis, which contributes to the failure of existing treatments. This situation urges the need to find more effective prevention and treatment strategies like the use of plant-based nutraceutical compounds. In this context, we purified three Narrow Leafed Lupin (NLL) β-conglutins isoforms using affinity-chromatography and evaluated their effectiveness in terms of viability, proliferation, apoptosis, stemness properties, and mechanism of action on both BC cell lines and a healthy one. NLL β-conglutins proteins have very promising effects at the molecular level on BC cells at very low concentrations, emerging as a potential natural cytotoxic agent and preserving the viability of healthy cells. These proteins could act through a dual mechanism involving tumorigenic and stemness-related genes such as SIRT1 and FoxO1, depending on the state of p53. More studies must be carried out to completely understand the underlying mechanisms of action of these nutraceutical compounds in BC in vitro and in vivo, and their potential use for the inhibition of other cancer cell types.

Activation of β-Adrenoceptors Promotes Lipid Droplet Accumulation in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells via cAMP/PKA/EPAC Pathways

Physiologically, β-adrenoceptors are major regulators of lipid metabolism, which may be reflected in alterations in lipid droplet dynamics. β-adrenoceptors have also been shown to participate in breast cancer carcinogenesis. Since lipid droplets may be seen as a hallmark of cancer, the present study aimed to investigate the role of β-adrenoceptors in the regulation of lipid droplet dynamics in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Cells were treated for up to 72 h with adrenaline (an endogenous adrenoceptor agonist), isoprenaline (a non-selective β-adrenoceptor agonist) and salbutamol (a selective β₂-selective agonist), and their effects on lipid droplets were evaluated using Nile Red staining. Adrenaline or isoprenaline, but not salbutamol, caused a lipid-accumulating phenotype in the MCF-7 cells. These effects were significantly reduced by selective β₁- and β₃-antagonists (10 nM atenolol and 100 nM L-748,337, respectively), indicating a dependence on both β₁- and β₃-adrenoceptors. These effects were dependent on the cAMP signalling pathway, involving both protein kinase A (PKA) and cAMP-dependent guanine-nucleotide-exchange (EPAC) proteins: treatment with cAMP-elevating agents (forskolin or 8-Br-cAMP) induced lipid droplet accumulation, whereas either 1 µM H-89 or 1 µM ESI-09 (PKA or EPAC inhibitors, respectively) abrogated this effect. Taken together, the present results demonstrate the existence of a β-adrenoceptor-mediated regulation of lipid droplet dynamics in breast cancer cells, likely involving β₁- and β₃-adrenoceptors, revealing a new mechanism by which adrenergic stimulation may influence cancer cell metabolism.

A literature perspective on the pharmacological applications of yohimbine

Introduction: Phytochemicals have garnered much attention because they are useful in managing several human diseases. Yohimbine is one such phytochemical with significant pharmacological potential and could be exploited for research by medicinal chemists. It is an indole alkaloid obtained from various natural/synthetic sources.Aims and Results: The research on yohimbine started early, and its use as a stimulant and aphrodisiac by humans has been reported for a long time. The pharmacological activity of yohimbine is mediated by the combined action of the central and peripheral nervous systems. It selectively blocks the pre and postsynaptic α₂-adrenergic receptors and has a moderate affinity for α1 and α2 subtypes. Yohimbine also binds to other behaviourally relevant monoaminergic receptors in the following order: α-2 NE > 5HT-1A>, 5HT-1B > 1-D > D3 > D2 receptors.Conclusion: The current review highlights some significant findings that contribute to developing yohimbine-based drugs. It also highlights the therapeutic potential of yohimbine against selected human diseases. However, further research is recommended on the pharmacokinetics, molecular mechanisms, and drug safety requirements using well-designed randomized clinical trials to produce yohimbine as a pharmaceutical agent for human use.Key MessagesYohimbine is a natural indole alkaloid with significant pharmacological potential.Humans have used it as a stimulant and aphrodisiac from a relatively early time.It blocks the pre- and postsynaptic α2-adrenergic receptors that could be exploited for managing erectile dysfunction, myocardial dysfunction, inflammatory disorders, and cancer.

Anticancer potential of yohimbine in drug-resistant oral cancer KB-ChR-8-5 cells

BACKGROUND

The demand for environmentally friendly and cost-effective plant-based products for the development of cancer therapeutics has been increasing. Yohimbine (α₂-adrenergic receptor antagonist) is a stimulant and aphrodisiac used to improve erectile dysfunction. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anticancer potential of yohimbine in drug-resistant oral cancer KB-ChR-8-5 cells using different biomolecular techniques.

METHODS

We estimated the anticancer efficacy of yohimbine using different assays, such as MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) cell cytotoxicity, cell morphology, cell apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, and modulation in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).

RESULTS

Yohimbine showed a dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of 44 µM against KB-ChR-8-5 cancer cell lines. Yohimbine treatment at 40 µM and 50 µM resulted in a considerable change in cell morphology, including shrinkage, detachment, membrane blebbing, and deformed shape. Moreover, at the dose of IC₅₀ and above, a significant induction was observed in the generation of ROS and depolarization of MMP. The possible mechanisms of action of yohimbine underlying the dose-dependent increase in cytotoxicity may be due to the induction of apoptosis, ROS generation, and modulation of MMP.

CONCLUSION

Overall, yohimbine showed a significant anticancer potential against drug-resistant oral cancer KB-ChR-8-5 cells. Our study suggests that besides being an aphrodisiac, yohimbine can be used as a drug repurposing agent. However, more research is required in different in vitro and in vivo models to confirm the feasibility of yohimbine in clinics.

Beta 2 adrenergic receptor and mu opioid receptor interact to potentiate the aggressiveness of human breast cancer cell by activating the glycogen synthase kinase 3 signaling

BACKGROUND

Opioid and beta-adrenergic receptors are recently shown to cross talk via formation of receptor heterodimers to control the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells. However, the underlying cell signaling mechanism remained unclear.

METHODS

To determine the effect of the interaction of the two systems in breast cancer, we employed triple-negative breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468, CRISPR or chemical inhibition or activation of beta-adrenergic receptors (B2AR) and mu-opioid receptors (MOR) gene, and PCR array technology and studied aggressive tumor phenotype and signaling cascades.

RESULTS

We show here that in triple-negative breast cancer cells, the reduction in expression B2AR and MOR by genetic and pharmacological tools leads to a less aggressive phenotype of triple-negative breast cancer cells in vitro and in animal xenografts. Genomic analysis indicates the glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) pathway as a possible candidate messenger system involved in B2AR and MOR cross talk. GSK3 inactivation in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cells induced similar phenotypic changes as the inhibition of B2AR and/or MOR, while a GSK3 activation by wortmannin reversed the effects of B2AR and/or MOR knockdown on these cells. GSK3 inactivation also prevents B2AR agonist norepinephrine or MOR agonist DAMGO from affecting MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-468 cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

These data confirm a role of B2AR and MOR interaction in the control of breast cancer cell growth and identify a possible role of the GSK3 signaling system in mediation of these two receptors' cross talk. Screening for ligands targeting B2AR and MOR interaction and/or the GSK3 system may help to identify novel drugs for the prevention of triple-negative breast cancer cell growth and metastasis.

Contribution of adrenergic mechanisms for the stress-induced breast cancer carcinogenesis

Breast cancer is the most common and deadliest type of cancer in women. Stress exposure has been associated with carcinogenesis and the stress released neurotransmitters, noradrenaline and adrenaline, and their cognate receptors, can participate in the carcinogenesis process, either by regulating tumor microenvironment or by promoting systemic changes. This work intends to provide an overview of the research done in this area and try to unravel the role of adrenergic ligands in the context of breast carcinogenesis. In the initiation phase, adrenergic signaling may favor neoplastic transformation of breast epithelial cells whereas, during cancer progression, may favor the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells. Additionally, adrenergic signaling can alter the function and activity of other cells present in the tumor microenvironment towards a protumor phenotype, namely macrophages, fibroblasts, and by altering adipocyte's function. Adrenergic signaling also promotes angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis and, systemically, may induce the formation of preneoplastic niches, cancer-associated cachexia and alterations in the immune system which contribute for the loss of quality of life of breast cancer patients and their capacity to fight cancer. Most studies points to a major contribution of β₂ -adrenoceptor activated pathways on these effects. The current knowledge of the mechanistic pathways activated by β₂ -adrenoceptors in physiology and pathophysiology, the availability of selective drugs approved for clinical use and a deeper knowledge of the basic cellular and molecular pathways by which adrenergic stimulation may influence cancer initiation and progression, opens the possibility to use new therapeutic alternatives to improve efficacy of breast cancer treatments.

Stress and cancer: mechanisms, significance and future directions

The notion that stress and cancer are interlinked has dominated lay discourse for decades. More recent animal studies indicate that stress can substantially facilitate cancer progression through modulating most hallmarks of cancer, and molecular and systemic mechanisms mediating these effects have been elucidated. However, available clinical evidence for such deleterious effects is inconsistent, as epidemiological and stress-reducing clinical interventions have yielded mixed effects on cancer mortality. In this Review, we describe and discuss specific mediating mechanisms identified by preclinical research, and parallel clinical findings. We explain the discrepancy between preclinical and clinical outcomes, through pointing to experimental strengths leveraged by animal studies and through discussing methodological and conceptual obstacles that prevent clinical studies from reflecting the impacts of stress. We suggest approaches to circumvent such obstacles, based on targeting critical phases of cancer progression that are more likely to be stress-sensitive; pharmacologically limiting adrenergic-inflammatory responses triggered by medical procedures; and focusing on more vulnerable populations, employing personalized pharmacological and psychosocial approaches. Recent clinical trials support our hypothesis that psychological and/or pharmacological inhibition of excess adrenergic and/or inflammatory stress signalling, especially alongside cancer treatments, could save lives.

Serotonin after β-Adrenoreceptors' Exposition: New Approaches for Personalized Data in Breast Cancer Cells

Serotonin is an important monoamine in the human body, playing crucial roles, such as a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Previously, our group reported that β-adrenergic drugs (ICI 118,551, isoprenaline, and propranolol) influence the proliferation of breast cancer cells (MCF-7 cells) and their inherent production of adrenaline. Thus, we aimed to investigate the production of serotonin in MCF-7 cells, clarifying if there is a relationship between this production and the viability of the cells. To address this question, briefly, we treated the MCF-7 cells with ICI 118,551, isoprenaline, and propranolol, and evaluated cellular viability and serotonin production by using MTT, Sulforhodamine B (SRB) and Neutral Red (NR) assays, and HPLC-ECD analysis, respectively. Our results demonstrate that isoprenaline promotes the most pronounced endogenous synthesis of serotonin, about 3.5-fold greater than control cells. Propranolol treatment also increased the synthesis of serotonin (when compared to control). On the other hand, treatment with the drug ICI 118,551 promoted a lower endogenous synthesis of serotonin, about 1.1-fold less than what was observed in the control. Together, these results reveal that MCF-7 cells can produce serotonin, and the drugs propranolol, isoprenaline and ICI 118,551 influence this endogenous production. For the first time, after modulation of the β-adrenergic system, a pronounced cellular growth can be related to higher consumption of serotonin by the cells, resulting in decreased levels of serotonin in cell media, indicative of the importance of serotonin in the growth of MCF-7 cells.