Four peptides decrease human colon adenocarcinoma cell number and DNA synthesis via cyclic GMP

William R Gower1, Brian A Vesely, Abdel A Alli

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Florida Cardiac Hormone Center and James A. Haley Veterans Medical Center, Tampa, 33612, USA.

Abstract

Insights

Four peptide hormones significantly reduce colon cancer cells by up to 97% within 24 hours. These anticancer effects are mediated by cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Colon cancer causes significant mortality, with limited treatment options.
  • Natriuretic peptides demonstrate anticancer effects in other adenocarcinoma types.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the anticancer effects of specific peptide hormones on colon adenocarcinoma cells.
  • To determine if cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) mediates these anticancer effects.

Main Methods:

  • Human colon adenocarcinoma cells were treated with four peptide hormones.
  • Cell viability, proliferation, and DNA synthesis were assessed.
  • The role of cGMP was evaluated using a cGMP antibody.
  • Western blotting identified natriuretic peptide receptors (NPRs).

Main Results:

  • A 89-97% decrease in colon cancer cells was observed within 24 hours.
  • Concentration-dependent reduction in cell number and DNA synthesis (65-83%) occurred.
  • cGMP mediated 75-97% of the observed anticancer and DNA synthesis effects.
  • Natriuretic peptide receptors A and C were identified in colon cancer cells.

Conclusions:

  • Four peptide hormones effectively eliminate a high percentage of colon cancer cells.
  • The anticancer mechanisms are specifically mediated by cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
  • Natriuretic peptide receptors are present in colon adenocarcinoma cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.

Related Concept Videos

Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Inhibition of CDK Activity02:34

Inhibition of CDK Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Negative Regulator Molecules01:23

Negative Regulator Molecules

Positive regulators allow a cell to advance through cell cycle checkpoints. Negative regulators have an equally important role as they terminate a cell’s progression through the cell cycle—or pause it—until the cell meets specific criteria.
Molecular Factors Affecting Cell Division01:27

Molecular Factors Affecting Cell Division

Several external and internal factors influence the initiation and inhibition of cell division. For instance, the death of nearby cells or the release of human growth hormone (hGH) promotes cell division. In contrast, lack of hGH or crowding of cells can inhibit cell division.
Several proteins function as internal regulators to ensure each cell cycle stage is completed faithfully before proceeding to the next. Regulator molecules may act directly or influence the activity or production of other...