Angiotensin-(1-7) can promote cell migration and tumor growth of clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Cardiovascular Research
• Renal System Physiology

Background:

• Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a prevalent kidney cancer with increasing drug resistance.
• Angiotensin-(1-7) (Ang-(1-7)), a renin-angiotensin system peptide, shows conflicting efficacy as an anticancer agent.
• Investigating Ang-(1-7)'s role in RCC is crucial due to its potential therapeutic implications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of Ang-(1-7) on renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines in vitro.
• To assess the in vivo impact of Ang-(1-7) on RCC tumor growth using a mouse xenograft model.
• To clarify the conflicting data regarding Ang-(1-7)'s efficacy against RCC.

Main Methods:

• In vitro studies on Caki-1 and Caki-2 cell lines to assess cell viability and migration.
• In vivo xenograft study using Caki-1 cells in nude mice to evaluate tumor growth.
• Investigation of Mas receptor (MasR) activation and its role in Ang-(1-7) effects.

Main Results:

• Ang-(1-7) did not affect cell viability but promoted cell migration in RCC cell lines.
• In vivo, Ang-(1-7) enhanced tumor growth, an effect not blocked by MasR antagonism.
• No significant impact on cell proliferation or tumor vessel density was observed.

Conclusions:

• Angiotensin-(1-7) demonstrates potential protumorigenic activity in renal cell carcinoma models.
• The pro-tumorigenic effects of Ang-(1-7) may involve Mas receptor-independent pathways.
• Further research across diverse RCC models is necessary to understand its complex role and the disease's heterogeneity.