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In vitro Organoid Culture of Primary Mouse Colon Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2013
Neurotensin expression and release in human colon cancers
B M Evers1, J Ishizuka, D H Chung
1Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.
Annals of Surgery
|October 11, 1992
Summary
Neurotensin (NT) is present in human colon cancers and may stimulate their growth. This study found NT peptide and its functional receptor in some colon cancers, suggesting it could act as an autocrine growth factor.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Neurotensin (NT) is a gut peptide known to be trophic for normal intestinal mucosa.
- NT has been observed to stimulate the growth of certain colon cancers, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether human colon cancers (HCC) express messenger RNA (mRNA) for NT/neuromedin N (N).
- To determine if HCC produce NT peptide.
- To assess if HCC express mRNA for a functional NT receptor (NTR).
Main Methods:
- RNA extraction from HCC cell lines, HCC xenografts in nude mice, and surgical specimens.
- Northern hybridization to detect NT/N mRNA.
- Radioimmunoassay (RIA) to quantify NT peptide.
- Evaluation of NTR expression and intracellular calcium ([Ca++]i) mobilization in response to NT.
Main Results:
- NT/N mRNA transcripts were detected in all tested HCC cell lines and in one HCC xenograft.
- NT peptide was identified in three HCC cell lines (LoVo, HT29, HCT116).
- A functional NTR, capable of stimulating [Ca++]i mobilization, was present in HT29 and HCT116 cell lines.
Conclusions:
- Certain human colon cancers express NT/N mRNA and produce NT peptide.
- A functional NT receptor (NTR) is present in some HCC.
- NT may act as an autocrine growth factor in human colon cancers, contributing to their proliferation.
