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Updated: Aug 19, 2026

A Kinetic Fluorescence-based Ca2+ Mobilization Assay to Identify G Protein-coupled Receptor Agonists, Antagonists, and Allosteric Modulators
Published on: February 20, 2018
GRP receptors are present in non small cell lung cancer cells
T W Moody1, F Zia, R Venugopal
1Biomarkers and Prevention Research Branch, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland 20876, USA.
Abstract:
Previously, GRP receptors were characterized in small cell lung cancer cells and here non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells were investigated: (125I-Tyr4) bombesin (BN) or 125I-GRP bound with high affinity to NCI-H720 (lung carcinoid) and NCI-H1299 (large cell carcinoma) cells. Binding was specific, time dependent, and saturable. Specific (125I-Tyr4)BN binding to NCI-H1299 cells was inhibited with high affinity by GRP, BN, GRP14-27, (D-Phe6)BN6-13methyl ester, moderate affinity by NMB, and low affinity by GRP1-16. BN (10 nM) transiently elevated cytosolic calcium in a dose dependent manner. BN caused translocation of protein kinase C from the cytosol to the membrane and the translocation caused by BN was reversed by (D-Phe6)BN6-13methylester. BN stimulated arachidonic acid release and the increase caused by BN was reversed by (D-Phe6)BN6-13methylester. Using a clonogenic assay, BN stimulated the growth of NCI-H720 cells, and the number of colonies was reduced using (D-Phe6)BN6-13methylester. These data suggest that GRP receptors that are present in lung carcinoid and NSCLC cells may regulate proliferation.
Insights
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptors in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells bind bombesin analogs. These receptors influence cell proliferation and calcium signaling, suggesting a role in NSCLC progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) receptors are known in small cell lung cancer.
- Their presence and function in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of GRP receptors in NSCLC cells.
- To determine the role of GRP receptors in NSCLC proliferation and signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Radioligand binding assays using (125I-Tyr4) bombesin (BN) or 125I-GRP.
- Measurement of cytosolic calcium levels and protein kinase C translocation.
- Assessment of arachidonic acid release and cell proliferation using clonogenic assays.
Main Results:
- GRP receptors exhibited high-affinity binding to NCI-H720 (lung carcinoid) and NCI-H1299 (large cell carcinoma) NSCLC cells.
- Bombesin (BN) induced dose-dependent increases in cytosolic calcium and protein kinase C translocation.
- BN stimulated arachidonic acid release and promoted NCI-H720 cell proliferation, effects reversed by a specific antagonist.
Conclusions:
- GRP receptors are present in lung carcinoid and NSCLC cells.
- These receptors mediate signaling pathways involving calcium, protein kinase C, and arachidonic acid release.
- GRP receptor activation appears to regulate proliferation in NSCLC, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
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