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Targeting the opioid growth factor: opioid growth factor receptor axis for treatment of human ovarian cancer

Ian S Zagon1, Renee Donahue, Patricia J McLaughlin

  • 1Department of Neural and Behavioral Science, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA. Isz1@psu.eu

Experimental Biology and Medicine (Maywood, N.J.)
|July 17, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The opioid growth factor (OGF) - opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) axis shows promise for treating ovarian cancer by regulating cell cycle progression. Targeting this axis offers novel therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • The opioid growth factor (OGF) - opioid growth factor receptor (OGFr) axis is identified in human ovarian cancer.
  • OGF, or [Met(5)]-enkephalin, is an endogenous opioid peptide that interacts with OGFr.
  • This interaction delays cell cycle progression via cyclin-dependent inhibitory kinase pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the OGF-OGFr axis as a therapeutic target for human ovarian cancer.
  • To explore novel treatment strategies based on modulating the OGF-OGFr pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Targeting the OGF-OGFr axis through exogenous OGF administration.
  • Genetic manipulation to over-express OGFr.
  • Utilizing low-dose naltrexone to stimulate OGF and OGFr production.

Main Results:

  • OGF's inhibitory activity is dose-dependent, receptor-mediated, reversible, and dependent on protein and RNA.
  • The OGF-OGFr axis modulation is not associated with apoptosis or necrosis.
  • Preclinical data support the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis.

Conclusions:

  • The OGF-OGFr axis presents a feasible target for ovarian cancer treatment.
  • Therapeutic strategies include prophylactic use, post-cytoreduction, or combination with chemotherapy.
  • Further research supports transitioning these novel therapies to clinical application for ovarian cancer.
Keywords:
DNA synthesisOGFOGFr[Met5]-enkephalincell proliferationnaltrexoneovarian cancer

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