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Endothelins and carcinogenesis

Jacek Olender1, Ewa Nowakowska-Zajdel2, Katarzyna Walkiewicz2

  • 1Katedra i Zakład Biologii Molekularnej, Wydział Farmaceutyczny z Oddziałem Medycyny Laboratoryjnej w Sosnowcu, Śląski Uniwersytet Medyczny w Katowicach.

Postepy Higieny I Medycyny Doswiadczalnej (Online)
|September 6, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Endothelins (ETs) are peptides crucial for regulating blood pressure and tissue perfusion. Dysregulation of ETs and their receptors is implicated in various cancers and fibrotic diseases, driving research into targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Cardiovascular Physiology

Background:

  • Endothelins (ETs) are a family of four peptides (ET-1, ET-2, ET-3, ET-4) primarily secreted by the endothelium.
  • These peptides exhibit pleiotropic biological activities, including regulation of cell proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and apoptosis.
  • ETs play significant roles in blood pressure regulation, tissue perfusion, and myocardial function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a concise overview of the endothelin peptide family.
  • To elucidate the involvement of endothelins and their receptors in carcinogenesis.
  • To explore the potential of endothelin receptor antagonists as therapeutic agents in human malignancies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on endothelin biology and function.
  • Analysis of research linking endothelin signaling pathways to cancer development.
  • Examination of clinical trial data for endothelin receptor antagonists in oncology.

Main Results:

  • Endothelin signaling is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, including cardiovascular, renal, pulmonary, and skin disorders, often with fibrotic components.
  • The role of endothelins and their receptors in carcinogenesis has been documented across various cancers, such as breast, prostate, colorectal, ovarian, lung, kidney, endometrial, and melanoma.
  • Endothelin dysregulation is associated with altered transcriptional activity and signaling pathways contributing to cancer progression.

Conclusions:

  • Endothelins and their receptors are significantly involved in carcinogenesis and the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases.
  • ETs and their receptors may serve as prognostic and predictive factors in human malignant tumors.
  • Endothelin receptor antagonists represent a promising avenue for molecular therapeutic strategies in human malignancies.

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