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Expression and putative functions of melatonin receptors in malignant cells and tissues

Cem Ekmekcioglu1

  • 1Institute of Environmental Health, Centre for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Vienna, Austria, cem.ekmekcioglu@meduniwien.ac.at.

Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|July 16, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Melatonin, a hormone synthesized in the pineal gland, influences circadian rhythms. Its receptors (MT1 and MT2) are increasingly linked to oncostatic effects in human cancers, warranting further investigation.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Melatonin is synthesized in the pineal gland and acts via MT1 and MT2 receptors.
  • Melatonin's role in the central circadian system is understood, but its peripheral functions are less clear.
  • Emerging evidence suggests melatonin has oncostatic (cancer-inhibiting) effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the physiology of melatonin and its receptors.
  • To discuss the expression and function of MT-receptors in human cancer cells and tissues.
  • To explore potential mechanisms of melatonin's oncostatic action.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of melatonin physiology and MT-receptor function.
  • Analysis of studies on MT-receptor expression in human cancers.
  • Synthesis of evidence for melatonin's role in cancer.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin physiology and MT-receptor signaling are summarized.
  • MT-receptor expression is documented in various human cancer cells and tissues.
  • Both antioxidative and MT-receptor mediated pathways may contribute to melatonin's oncostatic effects.

Conclusions:

  • MT-receptors play a role in peripheral organs, including cancer.
  • Melatonin's oncostatic effects in cancer are supported by accumulating evidence.
  • Further research into MT-receptor function in human cancers is warranted.

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