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Current Pharmaceutical Design

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1381-6128
ISSN (Online): 1873-4286

Muscarinic Receptors as Targets for Metronomic Therapy in Breast Cancer

Author(s): María Elena Sales

Volume 22, Issue 14, 2016

Page: [2170 - 2177] Pages: 8

DOI: 10.2174/1381612822666160229115317

Price: $65

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Abstract

Background: It is actually known that acetylcholine works as a signaling molecule in non-neuronal cells and tissues, in addition to its neuronal function as neurotransmitter. It can act on two types of receptors nicotinic and muscarinic receptors (mAChRs). The latter belong to the G protein coupled receptor family and there are five subtypes genetically cloned. Their activation triggers classical and non-classical intracellular signals that could be linked to the proliferation of normal and/or transformed cells. The M3 subtype was identified in different types of tumors and its stimulation with agonists triggers cell proliferation, migration, invasion and metastasis. Results: Our laboratory has extensively investigated the expression and function of mAChRs in breast tumors from animal and human origins. We found a profuse expression of mAChRs in breast tumors, but opposite to this, an absence of these receptors in normal breast cells and tissues. The stimulation of mAChRs with the cholinergic agonist carbachol for 20 h increased tumor cell death. Moreover, the combination of subthreshold concentrations of the agonist with paclitaxel potentiates cell death. The usage of low dose chemotherapy with short drug free intervals was named metronomic therapy and it has emerged as a novel regimen for cancer treatment with very low incidence of side effects. Conclusion: Our work and that of others indicate that mAChRs that are over-expressed in different types of tumor cells could be a useful target for metronomic therapy in cancer treatment.

Keywords: Acetylcholine, muscarinic receptors, signal transduction pathways, tumor progression, breast cancer, metronomic therapy.


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