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Molecular and Immunologic Techniques in a Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor
Published on: May 2, 2022
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Ghrelin and gastrointestinal stromal tumors
Chang-Zhen Zhu1, Dong Liu1, Wei-Ming Kang1
1Chang-Zhen Zhu, Dong Liu, Wei-Ming Kang, Jian-Chun Yu, Zhi-Qiang Ma, Xin Ye, Kang Li, Department of General Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 29, 2017
Summary
Ghrelin, a stomach hormone, may promote gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) development. This review explores ghrelin
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Ghrelin, a multifunctional protein, is produced in the stomach fundus and linked to tumor promotion.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are common mesenchymal tumors, often developing in the stomach fundus.
- Ghrelin, its receptors, and mRNA are present in GIST tissues, suggesting an autocrine/paracrine loop.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential mechanism by which ghrelin promotes GIST occurrence and development.
- To explore the role of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) signaling pathway in ghrelin-mediated GIST progression.
- To identify potential new therapeutic targets for GIST treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on ghrelin, GISTs, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.
- Analysis of studies demonstrating ghrelin's effect on cellular signaling pathways in other contexts.
- Examination of research confirming the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway's role in GIST growth.
Main Results:
- Ghrelin has been shown to activate the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in other cell types under stress conditions.
- Activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is known to promote GIST growth and progression.
- The precise mechanism linking ghrelin to GIST development via this pathway remains to be fully elucidated.
Conclusions:
- Ghrelin's presence and potential autocrine/paracrine function in GISTs suggest a role in tumor development.
- The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a likely mediator of ghrelin's effects on GISTs.
- Further research into the ghrelin-PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis could reveal novel therapeutic strategies for GISTs.
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